Nkishi. Songye, late 19th century-early 20th century.

The figure of Nkishi. Songye, Democratic Republic of Congo, late 19th century-early 20th century.
Wood, iron, cowrie shells, fabric, rope, reptile skin, organic matter, vegetable fibers.
Provenance:
- Olivier Castellano, Paris, France.
- Philipp Konzett, Vienna, Austria.
Measurements: 51,5 cm (height).

This exceptional nkishi is presented as a human-like figure with visible attributes of chieftainship. In its interior, the nganga or magician placed a magical mixture (bishimba) based on organic, animal or mineral matter.

The creation of a nkishi was a public event that brought together the community, an expert carver and an experienced nganga (ritual practitioner). The chiefs and elders commissioned the nkishi and the community was responsible for cutting the tree selected for carving. Plant and animal materials were also used to add spiritual character to the piece.

The songye, whose members are known as "basha masende", are the holders of the knowledge necessary to interact with the gods, they made these masks with black and white stripes symbolizing the stripes of the antelopes, the galleries used by the spirits to come and found the Bukushi brotherhood (an organ of control of the population and a judicial and coercive instrument that reinforces the power of the chiefs and notables) or the labyrinthine paths of the initiates of this society who always enjoy an elevated status in a society based on a central power. The colors used in the ornamentation of the carvings are intended to express the traits or sharpness of the spirit; thus, for example, white symbolizes the positive aspects, such as purity, peace, the moon or light; the color red is associated with blood, fire, courage and strength, but also with destruction or black magic.