{"product_id":"songye-fetish-figure-congo-rohner-collection-157358","title":"Songye Fetish Figure Congo Rohner Collection","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"495\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThis 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.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"497\" data-end=\"972\"\u003eAmong 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: John R. Rohner Collection\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eRohner, 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, \u003ci\u003eArt Treasures from African Runners\u003c\/i\u003e (2000, University Press of Colorado). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem #479 on pg. 203\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Polaris-Box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_ActivatorWrapper_36nu6_55\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"PRODUCT.metafields.custom.height_in_-anchor\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"button\" class=\"_ActivatorButton_36nu6_59\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_RowWrapper_36nu6_4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_FormFieldLabel_36nu6_30\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Polaris-Text--root Polaris-Text--bodyMd\"\u003eHeight (In): 10.0\u003cbr\u003eWidth (In): 4.5\u003cbr\u003eDepth (In): 5.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e157358\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 157000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52251232108839,"sku":"157358","price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_2128_7ed191f4-1a30-41b0-93c2-5bc2b7260a95.jpg?v=1791303306","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/songye-fetish-figure-congo-rohner-collection-157358","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}