Tribal Art

A fetish statuette of the Songye of harmonious proportions, depicting a figure supported by large feet perched on a circular base. The summit horn usually contained a magical charge introduced by thevine-healer. The action of therapeutic ingredients could be accompanied by different grey-greys in the form of metal quolifichets, textile shreds or shells and pearls, a specific role being attributed to each. Vegetable stems embellished with fur form here only a thin belt highlighting the hips of the fetish. Dark patina, desication cracks, dull areas.
The Songye came from the Shaba region of the DRC and settled between the Lualaba River and the Sankuru River in the middle of the savannah and forests. They are governed by the Yakitengé and local chiefs. The secret society Bwadi however, counterbalances their power. Their male masks, with occult powers, were displayed in punitive and disciplinary expeditions. Their appearances remained linked to divinatory and socio-political objectives. (Luba, F. Neyt) Litt. : " The Sensible and the Force Ed. Royal Museum of Central Africa