Fetish Nkissi Female
Songye · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: FET-50
View 1 of 9 · Press the image to enlarge
- Height
- 80 cm
- Material
- Wood, leather, rope, horns, nails, beads, feathers, magic charge and pigments.
Large fetish widely spread in male and female versions throughout large areas of the former Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly in the Shaba…
Enquire about this objectPhotographs (9)
Full original description
Large fetish widely spread in male and female versions throughout large areas of the former Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly in the Shaba region, where they have been installed since the century. XVI.
It is a protective fetish of the village, of the clan or unites a collectivity of some importance, contrary to the small fetishes intended for family protection. The Nkissi is a fetish mediator between God and men. The Songye They have created these impressive statues of powerful features. Often used in secret ceremonies, they are covered with feathers, furs, horns with magic charges and a battery of powerful amulets. These accessories constitute the magic charge of the fetish and acquire its strength after the rites celebrated by the Nganga. The distinctive feature is his resemblance to the male mask kifwébé or female kikashi.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- First third of the century XX
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.
Google Maps is loaded only when you press the button.
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.
