Artwork Page for Female Figure

Details / Information for Female Figure

Female Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye people

Medium
Wood, upholstery studs, antelope horns, and animal hair
Measurements
Overall: 34.8 x 6.2 x 14.5 cm (13 11/16 x 2 7/16 x 5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.452
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Because this Mankishi is neither small or quite large in size, it was most likely used by a family rather than an individual.

Description

Mankishi figures were believed to have magical powers and were used by diviners to contact spirits in otherworldly realms. Smaller, personal power figures were used to connect with “common” ancestors, while the larger Mankishi figures contacted higher-ranking ancestral spirits. These power figures were kept in their own personal spaces because of their powerful status, and could only be handled by their designated nkunja, or guardian.
A standing, angular wood figure with a long neck places their hands on their round stomach out of which a circle is carved. Their face takes on a squat, rounded diamond shape with a square cut out for the mouth and rough semicircles for the eyes, directly above which their head flattens out, topped with round, metal upholstery studs. An antelope horn protrudes from the center of their head flanked by dark strands of antelope hair.

Female Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye people

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork