Artwork Page for Male Figure (nkishi)

Details / Information for Male Figure (nkishi)

Male Figure (nkishi)

late 1800s–early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Songye-style carver and nganga

(priest)
Medium
Wood, glass beads, brass (including upholstery studs), copper alloy, iron alloy, raffia, reedbuck antelope horn, rawhide, animal hair, human teeth, organic material, minerals, and plant fibers
Measurements
Overall: 64 x 24.5 x 24 cm (25 3/16 x 9 5/8 x 9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.451
Public Domain
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Location
108A African
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Did You Know?

Researchers conducted X-ray scanning on this figure, revealing its internal structure and human teeth, an antelope horn, and animal hair.

Description

This figure's visual impact and workmanship suggest that an extended family––rather than an individual––used it. The raffia skirt around the waist and the blue and white beads are indicators of leadership. The metal appliqué covering the face and the metal blades that hedge the headgear refer to the blacksmith, a culture hero celebrated in a Songye myth narrating the formation of the state. The metal strips on the skeletal face are said to relate to lightning, signaling the figure's role as a powerful anti-sorcerer, but the contrast between white iron and red copper symbolically alludes to the ambivalent powers of the figure.
A squat sculpture, mostly made of dark brown wood, depicts a man dressed in layered worn fabric with stacked necklaces made of black and white beads around his neck. His face is created with metal pieces, with protruding cones for eyes and an oval mouth. His hair is braided fiber ropes. At the top of his head is one black horn that curves forward.

Male Figure (nkishi)

late 1800s–early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Songye-style carver and nganga (priest)

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