This Songye figure from DR Congo was carved with two heads wearing kifwebe style masks. Its exterior is encrusted with organic matter and features a bulbous belly with the hands resting on either side. It comes attached to a custom made base. The statue measures 15 inches tall, and 16.5 inches on its base and weighs 4 pounds. There is some imperfections throughout this piece – please inspect photos carefully.
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Double-headed Songye African Statue 14″ – DRC
Original price was: $225.00.$112.50Current price is: $112.50.
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| Type of Object | Figure, statue |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | DR Congo |
| Ethnicity | Songye |
| Material | Wood, pigment, fiber, organic matter |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height | 15" (statue) 16.5" (w/ base) |
| Width | 5" |
| Depth | 5" |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Wood deterioration and imperfections |
Tribe Information
About the Songye People
“During the 16th century, the Songye migrated from the Shaba area, which is now the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and settled on the left bank of the Lualaba River, on a savannah and forest-covered plateau. Divided into numerous sub-groups, the 150,000 Songye people are governed by a central chief, the Yakitenge, whose role demands that he obey special restrictive laws such as not showing grief, not drinking in public and not shaking hands with men. In addition, local rulers, the Sultani Ya Muti, distribute plots of land to their villagers and an influential secret society, Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe, counterbalances their power. Unlike their neighbors, the Luba, the Songye tribe is a patriarchal society in which agriculture is central to the economy.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
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