Songye Male Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

nkisi
height 11 1/4in (28.5cm)

Provenance
Galerie Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
Drs. John and Nicole Dintenfass Collection, New York

Jean-Willy Mestach notes that individual nkisi were "furnished with magical substances (Bijimba) to protect against physical and mental harm, to combat psychic or metaphysical (evil spirits) external aggression, to guard against theft, adultery, to notify interdictions or, again, to insure successful hunting and so on." (Etudes Songye, Galerie Jahn München, 1985, p. 161-164)

Despite the diminutive size, the artist has manifested a sense of fearlessness and determination in this superb nkisi sculpture. The visual focus is immediately drawn to the highly expressive facial expression, seemingly threatening any malevolent spirit which confronts him. Inserted in the top of the head is a bay duiker horn (Cephalopus dorsalis), rising above the sculpture, symbolizing power, fertility and fecundity, as well as perhaps serving as a connection with the cosmos. Metal tacks are inserted at the back of the head and down the forehead to the nose. The powerful presence is enhanced by the broad, squared shoulders, the legs bent at the knees as if ready for action, and the large hands grasping the round, bulging abdomen acting as the nest of magical power substances once filling the cavity.