Songye Power Figure Miniature,Swiss Collection, Africa Start Price USD 450.00 Current Price USD 450.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 17, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Songye Power Figure Miniature,Swiss Collection, Africa' Description Songye Fetish,Swiss Collection African Type of Object: Standing Female Figure Ethnic Group: Songye Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo/(Zaire) Materials: Wood, stain and pigments. Approximate Age: Second Half 20th century Dimensions: Height is 13.5 inches Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Cracks in head, old chips Provenance: Swiss CollectionAdditional Information: A fine old piece on a custom metal base. An unusual figure, because it is female--most of these were male. Age cracks, no repairs. The Songye masks and sculptures were made primarily to be used by their secret society,Bwadi bwa Kifwebe. Songye fetish figures stand on a circular base, and have hands resting on the abdomen. The head is large, with a square or pointed chin and an open mouth. On some figures strips of metal and nails are often on the face, to counteract evil spirits and agressors and channel lightening against them. Fetish material is inserted into cavities in the head or belly, or in packets fastened to the body. The nganga, diviner, attatched additional magic objects to further enhance its poewer. Large fetish figures protect entire villages while smaller ones are used to protect individuals and families from death and disease.Recommended Reading:Cornet, J., A Survey of Zairian Art, North Carolina Museum of Art, 1978Dunja Hersak,Songye Masks and sculpture figures, 1985 Neyt, F., Traditional Arts and History of Zaire, Louvain, 1981I have examined this piece and agree with the collectionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **W1549** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!