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Songye power figure

Songye people, Democratic Republic of Congo
19th or early 20th century
Height: 47cm – Length: 13cm – Depth: 15cm
Wood and cowrie

Superb Songye magico-religious statue depicting a character firmly planted on his legs, his hands joined around the umbilicus. A cavity has been dug in the belly in order to insert a magical charge. The eyes are encrusted with cowrie shells. This work shows traces of prolonged use.

Provenance

Jacques Blanckaert (1925-1995), Bruxelles

Publication(s)

Exhibition(s)

Songye power figure