Caryatid stool of the Songye, Zaire

Name: Caryatid stool of the Songye, Zaire
Brand: AfricaArtSpirit
SKU: 14108
Price: 244.00 USD
Availability: InStock

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RARE "STOOL" WITH MASCULINE CARYATID FROM THE SONGYE OF ANCIENT ZAIRE (today Congo) – 1970/1980 22 cm high ø of the carved plinth: 13 cm This type of sculpture, sumptuous element and symbol of power, was often used as a pedestal for Mankishi fetishes. This was a figure shaped after the image of the fetish that would tower over her, with a face that resembles the features of the Kifwebe mask and wore a round tray. These "seats" could be charged with a bishimba to increase their power. It has a beautiful, smooth, very warm brown patina, as well as various erosion marks and drying cracks. In southwestern Congo, Angola and Zambia, each chief had one of these mostly female caryatid seats, a symbol of fertility and maternal ancestry. Seats with a male figure are less common and are often associated with power and masculinity fetishes. Another peculiarity of this seat is an interesting stylistic hybridization that makes it possible to settle its probable origin in the zone of Kasai, which lies between the Septentrional Luba and the Songye in the southeast. This is a very old and authentic piece that was in use.

21 July 2023

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