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This imposing, anthropomorphic Songye <em>nkisi</em>, or power figure, stands upright and features an assemblage of man-made, vegetal, and animal components. Most strikingly, a large antelope horn protrudes vertically from the figure’s head, and two animal teeth have been affixed to the corners of its mouth giving the appearance of fangs. Bearing wide, alert eyes, this fearsome figure is enswathed by civet and monkey skin. Horns, including a smaller one inserted into a larger one, have been tightly strapped around the figure’s chest. Also attached to the figure are seed pods, an ax blade, and glass beads. A medicine bundle carrying feathers and a horn hangs behind the figure's back.
Songye (Songye)
Power Figure
1935 – 1945
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.229
This vessel made from a hollowed gourd is covered by animal skin and plugged by a finely carved, wooden head. The gourd visually creates a bulbous body for the figure. Further enhancing the anthropomorphic effect are small wooden rods, two of which appear below either side of the head resembling arms and held in place by twisted fiber. The head itself features prominent, rounded eyebrows, narrowly opened eyes, a perfectly rounded mouth, and a rectangular chin.
Songye (Songye)
Gourd
1925 – 1935
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.232
This Songye&nbsp;<em>nkisi,&nbsp;</em>which depicts a standing male figure, displays many of the characteristic hallmarks of Songye anthropomorphic carvings, namely: an overall strong geometric form, squared shoulders, a large head, a triangular face with a rounded forehead and concave cheeks, deep ocular cavities, a rectangular mouth, diminutive ears, and a long, ringed neck. The head is strikingly studded with numerous, indigenously-made brass tacks; furthermore, a cavity on the skull suggests that a horn was at one point likely placed there. A belt of animal skin filled with medicinal substances is wrapped around the chest, while two strands of colored beads are tied across the torso. Three bells, themselves affixed to the strings of beads, dangle below the&nbsp;<em>nkisi&nbsp;</em>figure. An animal skin loincloth covers the bottom half of the figure. In addition to kaolin, the&nbsp;<em>nkisi</em>&rsquo;s surface bears a crusty patina, evidence that it was the recipient of consecrational and votive libatio
Songye;Kalebwe (Songye)
nkisi
1845 – 1855
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.228
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