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Description

A Songye Figure, "nkishi"

Figure, "nkisi" Songye, DR Congo Mit Sockel / with base Wood, glass beads, horn, cowrie shell. H 28.5 cm. Provenance: - Imelda and Paul Berger-Frei, Riehen. - Berger-Frei community of heirs, Basel. The magical figures called "minkisi" (singular "nkisi") granted protection against illness, infertility and other misfortunes and could also provide help in unsolved crimes, for example. They were able to do this thanks to their concentrated powers, which they stored in the form of all kinds of magical substances. These powers could be released during ritual ceremonies and meetings and harnessed for their owners. In contrast to the large representations, which were at the service of an entire community and used their magical powers for numerous people and families, the smaller versions of this type of figurine had a private character and were owned by individuals or a household. Further reading: Neyt, François (2004). La redoutable statuaire Songye d'Afrique Centrale. Brussels: Fonds Mercator. CHF 2 000 / 4 000 Weight in grams: 476 Condition: The condition (possible wear, signs of use, tears, possible other impairments and the signs of age etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions ([email protected]). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.

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A Songye Figure, "nkishi"

Estimate 2 000 - 4 000 CHF
Starting price 1 000 CHF

* Not including buyer’s premium.
Please read the conditions of sale for more information.

Sale fees: 26 %
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For sale on Saturday 29 Jun : 15:00 (CEST)
basel, Switzerland
Hammer Auktionen AG
+41444000220
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