 Figure 25 7" high $500 |
 Figure 51 7" high SOLD |
Figure 25 7" high $500 |
Figure 51 7" high SOLD |
Figures 25 and 51 have been vetted as authentic, with signs of age and
use.
Old Songye power figures are rare. Despite their appearance, the figures
below show little evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.
 Figure 4 26" high $500 |
 Figure 7 27" high $500 |
 Figure 9 26" high $500 |
 Figure 13 21" high $450 |
 Figure 16 15" high $500 |
 Figure 18 13.5" high $400 |
 Figure 20 10.5" high $200 |
 Figure 26 31" high $600 |
 Figure 27 27" high $400 |
The Songye made power figures, Nkisi (singular) and Mankishi (plural), to combat witchcraft and sorcery. They were benign and were believed to bring good, promote fertility and success, vanquish enemies and protect from evil. Large ones were owned by and served the community; small ones were for individual families.
Adorned with additional objects, Bajimba, with magical properties (horns, skins, teeth, hair, feathers, beads, tacks, cloth, etc.), they gained their power not from the carver but from the Nganga, or spiritual leader. Their carving was considered secondary to their power. Often too powerful to touch, they were moved with long sticks. Although protective, these are confrontational objects, with a warrior's attitude.
Many of the features show a relationship to the masks of the Kifwebe
association.
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