Early 20th C. Songye Carved Wood Magic Figure

Lot 60a

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
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Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more

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Northwest Coast, Tribal, & Pre-Columbian Art by Artemis Gallery

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Northwest Coast, Tribal, & Pre-Columbian Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 24, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-05-24 10:00:00 2018-05-24 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Northwest Coast, Tribal, & Pre-Columbian Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/northwest-coast-tribal-pre-columbian-art-3238 Featuring Pacific Northwest Coast Native American Art from respected collector / dealer, Joseph Alphabet. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. Carved from a rich, dark hardwood, a powerful figure with an elongated torso, framed by set-apart slender lengthy arms with hands placed over the abdomen and showing interlocking fingers, and tack-studded breasts. The enlarged head has an expressive visage comprised of a high forehead, angular facial planes, bold features including pursed lips, a wide nose, a strong jawline, and ovoid eyes with metal pupils - topped by a cap-like headdress with a hollowed receptacle for the insertion of a vertical wooden finial that may represent fetish material (see more below). The figure is further embellished by three strands of white and blue beads - one around the neck and two below the joined hands and waistline. All rests upon a round base fitted with a custom wooden stand. Size: 13.5" H (34.3 cm); 15.25" H (38.7 cm) on included custom stand.

The use of strips of metal to embellish the eyes of this figure is a traditonal Songye practice intended to combat evil spirits and aggressive beings by channeling lightning against them. This piece also demonstrates another practice characteristic of Songye statues. The hollowed receptacle at the top of the head is typically intended for the insertion of fetish material known as Bishimba which imbues the figure with special power. According to Jean-Baptist Bacquart, "A 'specialist', called the Nganga, then attaches magical objects such as snakeskins, feathers, metal necklaces and bracelets to the figure to enhance the power even more. Occasionally these figures ar suspended for apotropaic purposes inside a house by inserting a metal rod under each arm." (Jean Baptist Bacquart, "The Tribal Arts of Africa". New York: Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 168.)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private French collection

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#133070

Condition

Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Areas of earthen encrustation. Minor chips to upper end of finial. Stunning, lustrous, dark patina.
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