Lot 233: A superb Songye community fetish figure

People: Songye
DR Congo
H: 37 ¾"
Of massive form, the old and heavy figure with large head, with medicine horn emerging from the top, hammered metal attachments in numerous rows around it, the rounded brow and nasal ridge covered with thick old sheet copper, the eyes inset with cowrie shells, and sheet copper to the temples. Small open mouth and raised ears, possibly indicating that the piece may have come from the Eki region; the powerful neck with a necklace of vertebrae and a large ring like bundle containing magical empowering materials; the chest thrust forward, arms carved rigidly to the sides with hands on the abdomen, the proper right arm with an attachment of horns, teeth, a bell, and other empowering materials, standing on short legs with angular knees on a large and high base. Exceptional patina from usage and ritual libations over a long period of time, on a custom base.

Provenance:
Galerie Didier Claes, Belgium

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