Fetiche Basongo
Songye · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: FET-51
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- Height
- 23 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments.
Small fetish that also serves as a reliquary. It is one of the so-called “mirror”. Called basongo or also yembe or bayembe, which are other names…
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Full original description
Small fetish that also serves as a reliquary. It is one of the so-called “mirror”. Called basongo or also yembe or bayembe, which are other names by which the Songye. These figures are used to obtain protection or healing and as a therapeutic remedy. They are objects of force or magical figures called Mankishi (Nkishi, in singular).
The magic ingredients, bishimba, hidden in the belly were prepared by the ritual specialist Nganga from animal, vegetable or mineral substances. There are two categories of ingredients: substances whose aggressive effect fights against the influences of harmful forces or substances that exert a beneficial influence on the patient. The sculptor only carves the figure that will be later activated by the Nganga.
These fetishes are protectors of the village and fertility. They also protect from enemies and evil spirits.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
