SONGYE, DRC

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Traditional Songye artists are renowned for their compelling masks and statuary, not least the iconic power figure known as nkisi (pl. minkisi). They are used in a wide range of metaphysical capacities, guarding against malevolent sorcery, theft, and general misfortune, and easing childbirth. They also figure in rites of divination and foretelling. Created collaboratively by a skilled carver and a veteran magical practitioner (nganga), minkisi ranged in size from large, child-sized figures protecting entire village communities to diminutive figurines that were made for individuals.

Once carved, minkisi were mere shells until they were empowered with supernatural potency by the nganga. This ‘activation’ was achieved by the implantation of magical substances, or charges, called bishimba. Quantities of this material were placed within cavities carved into the figure, which were sometimes hidden by garments or other paraphernalia.

The present figurine is of the type intended for a single person, standing at three inches high. It is carved of hard brown wood and shows largely angular features dominated by a large head and columnar neck. The mask-like face bears a firm smile, domed forehead and sharp, strong chin. Planted solidly upon squat legs and oversized feet, the figure stands with arms tightly framing a protruding abdomen with conspicuous navel cavity.