Songye Fetish Figure Congo Rohner Collection

This well-carved Songye figure depicts a seated male with his hands resting on a prominent belly. The figure displays the strong geometric forms and distinctive facial proportions characteristic of Songye sculpture, including a pronounced chin and angular nose. Carved from a dense block of wood, the figure has an aged surface that reflects its history and handling.

Among the Songye and other peoples of the greater Congo region, spiritually significant sculptures known as Nkishi were used in connection with the work of local ritual specialists and diviners known as Nganga. Through rituals, specialized knowledge, and sacred objects, the Nganga addressed matters including healing, protection, divination, and communication with the spirit world. Figures such as this could serve as a physical focus for these spiritual practices.

Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1980s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado). 

The lower portion of the figure is significantly deteriorated and broken, with the bottom half partially missing. The remaining wood shows extensive age-related wear, surface losses, cracks, and areas of deterioration. The figure is mounted on a custom base for display and support.  Please review all photos closely for the overall condition.

Item #479 on pg. 203

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