Early 20th Century Songye Nkishi Power Fetish Figure on Custom Stand

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The Songye Nkishi power fetish figure originates from the Lualaba River region in the savanna territory of the Democratic Republic … Read more The Songye Nkishi power fetish figure originates from the Lualaba River region in the savanna territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Figures like this are typically placed on family or village altars, where they serve as spiritual intermediaries used to commune with ancestors, nature spirits, and other forces through prayers and offerings. Sculptures such as the Nkishi are central to the practices of the Nganga spiritual specialists with divinatory abilities who employ these figures in rituals for healing, protection, and communication with the spiritual realm.
Most Nkishi power figures are characterized by their pronounced bellies, which contain or once held magical substances known as bishimba. These materials activate the figure, transforming it into a conduit through which the Nganga’s ritual actions can connect with and influence spiritual entities. In many examples, additional elements such as horns are attached and serve as powerful symbolic and spiritual extensions of the figure. In this particular piece, the horn has been removed due to import restrictions, though its original presence would have contributed to the figure’s ritual potency and visual impact.This piece shows noticeable wear and areas of loss, including a missing arm and foot, a large crack at the top of the head, and some fabric loss. These condition issues are consistent with age and use.Height (In) 27.0Width (In) 9.0Depth (In) 10.0
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