Very old, intensively used SONGYE statue, DR Congo, ca 1900

Crudely carved statuette, stylistically correct and full of symbolism. On top of two charges .. one in the head and one in the quill of a porcupine that sticks in the top of the head. A charge in the form of an elephant hair is also visible in one ear. A feather of a tropical bird hangs on a cord around the neck. On the belly a copper forged nail. These kinds of details were applied on a person-centred basis; a very personal statue. Around the hip hangs a strip of copper that must have been bent by hand and symbolizes the connection with the earth. The black , dark on the statue refers to the spirit world, the spike on top, white in color, to death. A skirt of snakeskin around the hip. In symbolism, the snake can move between 2 worlds, namely the earthly and the spirit world. On the back of the statue, we see a strongly pronounced spine that indicates that the person using the statue is strong in life and can handle anything that comes their way. A modest chip is visible on the chin, which has been there for a long time given the patina.

Authentic, intensively used and now 120 years old or possibly even older. The statue is placed loose on a beautiful teak block support and then stained and is of course included.

Length: approx. 22 cm, including block support approx. 29 cm
Weight: 143 grams, including block support 426 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Date: approx. 1900 !!
Provenance: Obtained from the collection of a colonial family from Dinant, Belgium