Power Figure

Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo
Early 20th c

Provenance: Morton Rosen collection, NJ, acquired in the 1960’s from Pierre Verite Gallery, Paris. By descent to family member

This wooden Power Figure is a striking example of the Songye people’s traditional art form. Carved in a cubist form it has an aged and encrusted patina.  The figure features an antelope horn on top of its head and woven fiber attachments around its waist and neck. These figures were believed to possess powerful spiritual energy and were used by the Songye people for healing and protection. They were also used in rituals to invoke the power of ancestor spirits and to ward off evil.