GothamGallery Fine African Art Songye Protective Figure Start Price USD 2,300.00 Current Price USD 2,300.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, September 24, 2008 End Time Friday, October 24, 2008 Location NYC See more about 'GothamGallery Fine African Art Songye Protective Figure' Description   Offering the Finest Quality Sub-Saharan African Art   Exquisite African Zaire DRC Songye Magical Fetish Figure   Measurement:        Height: 10.5 Width: 3 Depth: 3 Inches Measurement:        Height: 26.5 Width: 7.5 Depth: 7.5 Centimeters                               Measurement Statue OnlyMaterial:                Wood, Pigment, Vegetal fiber, Animal horn, Feathers (probably replaced many times over years) Estimated Age:       Early 20th Century Condition:             Very Good Remarks:               Highly stylized fetish with magical power polychrome finish rich dark patina Shipping:               US East Coast - Estimated $25.00                               Exact rate use shipping calculator INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS WELCOME   CONDITION Minor wood deterioration, worn areas, minor chips and scrapes, some lost of feathers, overall condition very good. Thank you and please view my other items. BACKGROUND During the 16th century, the Songye migrated from the Shaba area, which is now the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their history is closely linked to the Luba's, to whom the Songye are related through common ancestors. Having waged war against one another for a long time, the Songye and Luba later formed an alliance to fight the Arabs. Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the Luba homeland. Highly stylized masks called the Kifwebe are famous Songye tribal art. These masks have grooved pattern on the face and is a common characteristic. The white paint in the grooves symbolizes peace, light and the purity of the soul. Fetishes of all sizes were also produced by the Songye people and some may adorn multitude of objects which believed to have magical powers for protection. Smaller figures encompassing the Kifwebe mask characteristics are sometimes attributed to the Eastern-style of Songye art. A custom base is included with this piece. It is important to properly exhibit a beautiful piece of art. The splendor of the piece cannot be fully revealed without a correct display. Custom bases can cost a minimum of thirty and up to several hundred dollars depending on its complexity and size. It is very difficult to locate a good stand maker regardless of price, but fortunately this piece will be appropriately displayed and ready for you and your guests’ enjoyment. Painter Fred Uhlman words - Most of the artists I admired, Picasso, Modigliani, Deraini, to mention only a few, had collected African art and had been profoundly influenced by it. Shortly afterwards I bought the Baule Fetish and the Baule bobbin which are still two of the finest pieces in my collection. It is easy to see why I bought them and why from that moment I have never stopped collecting. The head of the bobbin or heddle - pulley which is after all only a functional object for the purpose of weaving seemed to me then and today as beautiful as a Greek goddess. The fetish moved me as deeply as the bobbin by its silent tragic dignity and its air of profound meditation. GUARANTEEAUTHENTICITY AND CONDITION OF ITEMS ARE GUARANTEE TO THEIR DESCRIPTION. IF THE ITEM IS FOUND TO BE NOT AS DESCRIBED OR PICTURED, FULL REIMBURSEMENT OF THE WINNING BID AMOUNT AND SHIPPING CHARGE WILL BE GIVEN.QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, OR MORE DETAIL PICTURES. EMAIL:GOTHAMGALLERY@AOL.COMSHIPPINGSHIPPING VIA USPS PRIORITY MAIL UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COST PLEASE INQUIRE.PAYMENTPAYMENT ACCEPTED, PAYPAL, MONEY ORDER, CERTIFIED CHECK, PERSONAL CHECK 5 TO 7 DAYS TO CLEAR. OTHER FORMS OF PAYMENT PLEASE INQUIRE FIRST. Please click and check store items GothamGallery Fine African Art 　 PLEASE NOTE GOTHAMGALLERY DOES NOT SEND SECOND CHANCE OFFER COMMUNICATION WILL BE VIA ebay SYSTEM ONLY PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF SCAMS Place a Bid!

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