Nkisi or Nkishi figure, featuring a figure standing on a circular pedestal. He stands on powerful, symbolically oversized feet, his arms detached from his body and his hands placed on his generous belly as a sign of abundance and nourishment. His face is dynamic and benevolent. The top of the head and the abdomen are accompanied by the magical "Bishimba" charge, containing numerous substances with prophylactic virtues. The great Nkisi figures, like our example, played an important role in the fertility of the group, the reincarnation of beneficial spirits, protection and healing and the fight against witchcraft, warding off evil spirits from the community. Wood, horn, beads, metal and various materials, old brown patina and wear marks. Songye, Democratic Republic of Congo. Height Height : 76 cm Presumed date of manufacture: first half of the 20th century. Provenance: according to information provided by its former owner, collected by the White Fathers in the 1970s. A certificate of authenticity from expert Serge Reynes will be given to the buyer.