Title: Fetish Figure
Material: Wood
People: Songye
Country: D.R. Congo
Description: The Songye live in an area north of the Katanga
Luba, and north-west of the Kasai Luba. Fetishes like this
sculpture have a good influence on fertility and are regarded
as protection against hostile powers, sorcerers, and evil spirits.
Some guard a whole village while others are personal charms.
Magical ingredients are contained in the horn fixed on top of
the head. Metal nails, skins, and fish-scales all help to increase
its power.
Included is a custom-built metal stand.
Figure dimensions: 37 1/2" height x 11" width x 9 1/2" depth
Stand dimensions: 3 1/2" height x 11 1/2" width x 10" depth
Provenance: Ex. collection of gentleman who lived in the D.R. Congo between 1955 - 1973.
