Nkissi Statue, Songye Belande People, Drc

Statue showing a standing male figure. The body is treated in a geometric, almost cubist manner. The volumes and the openwork parts respond to each other and impose a massive aspect to the statue, thus reinforcing its imposing character. The head is a little more naturalistic. The mouth is half-open and reveals two rows of teeth. The ears are signified by herringbone patterns. We can observe a hole behind each ear. The headdress is represented by rows of braids. At the top, a brass upholsterer's nail closes a magic cavity. The face is decorated with copper plates. This metal is typical of certain figures of power. These copper plates are often associated with ritual practices aimed at reinforcing the magical or spiritual power of the sculpture. Indeed, copper as a precious material in traditional African societies, symbolizes wealth, protection and a connection with the spirit world. The statue still wears a necklace made of plant fibers and copper beads. This type of statue is called Nkissi and was used as a protective object to channel spiritual forces.
Songye Belande people, DRC
Wood with oily patina (cracks), traces of red pigments, plant fibers, copper, brass upholstery nail.
Height: 36 cm
First half of the 20th century.
Provenance: - ex Belgian private collection
- Van Ryn archives