Antique African Songye Nkishi Power Figure – Tribal Carved Wood Sculpture

Description

Antique African Songye Nkishi Power Figure – Tribal Carved Wood Sculpture

Brief Description:

On offer is a wonderfully striking antique African Songye-style Nkishi Power Figure, a traditional carved wooden sculpture associated with the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa.

This fascinating piece of African tribal art stands an impressive 35.5 cm (14 inches) in height and displays an extraordinary combination of stylised figurative carving, symbolic ornamentation and beautifully aged surface character.

The sculpture depicts a standing human figure with an elongated neck supporting a magnificent, oversized, angular head.

The wonderfully expressive face features prominent almond-shaped eyes, a long, slender geometric nose, delicately carved lips and a distinctive pointed chin.

The imposing head and serene facial expression give the piece a particularly powerful and captivating presence.

The figure has broad, angular shoulders, slender arms resting alongside the body and a pronounced, rounded abdomen, with the lower section terminating in a substantial, flared integral wooden base.

Of particular interest are the surviving ceremonial-style adornments, including a necklace composed of coloured glass beads and tubular elements, together with a small pendant suspended at the front of the neck.

A further textured amulet or ritual bundle is attached to one arm with cord binding, whilst remnants of reddish-brown fabric remain wrapped around the waist.

These fascinating details add considerably to the sculpture's visual interest and distinctive character.

Attributes:

Type: African tribal power figure / Nkishi-style sculpture.

Cultural attribution: Songye style.

Region: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa.

Material: Hand-carved wood with glass beads, cord, textile and attached amulet.

Period: Antique - Early 20th-century

Condition:

The figure is presented in wonderfully characterful aged condition, displaying extensive surface patination, rubbing, minor chips, natural wood shrinkage and age-related cracks.

There is evidence of an old repair, together with visible wear and deterioration to some of the attached textile and ritual-style components.

The wooden base displays age-related splitting, whilst the glass-bead necklace and suspended amulet remain present.

These characteristics are consistent with an object that has experienced considerable handling and wear over time and contribute to its distinctive appearance.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 14'' | 35.5 cm

Width: 4.2'' | 10.6 cm

Depth: 4.5'' | 11.4 cm

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*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

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