Songye fetish figure (nkishi), Democratic Republic of the Co - Lot 45

Songye fetish figure (nkishi), Democratic Republic of the Congo, late XIXᵉ - early XXᵉ century Songye anthropomorphic figure carved in hardwood representing a standing figure of compact proportions, with globular head and stylized face with half-closed eyes and prominent mouth, arms along the body with hands resting on the abdomen, presenting a ritual charge inserted into the abdomen and obturated by an added element, characteristic of nkishi figures associated with protective or judicial functions, surface with old dark brown patina with wear, shrinkage cracks, minor chips and restorations consistent with age and ritual use, sold with base. Details: Origin Democratic Republic of the Congo; Songye culture; period late XIXᵉ - early XXᵉ century; material hardwood; dimensions 14 × 4 cm (without base); total weight approx. 395 g; provenance collections Kurt Wagner (Germany), Thomas Morbe (Germany), Zemanek Münster sale November 6, 2021, Cooper Evans (USA), Craig Delora (USA); condition old wear and restorations consistent with ritual use.