Dimensions: H:28.0" W:8.3" L:6.7" Weight: 3.3 lbs.
Songye/Basonge statue - The Songye people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are known for carving fetishes out of wood or horn and decorating them with shells. The figures are used to ensure people's success and wealth, as well as to protect them from hostile forces such as lightning and diseases. Individuals kept and consulted smaller figures of this type, but larger ones were in charge of ensuring the well-being of an entire community.
About the Tribe
Songye, are a Bantu ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's south-eastern region on the banks of the Lualaba River. The Songye are divided into numerous sub-groups and ruled by a central chief, the Yakitenge. They are well-known for their visual arts, particularly expressive masks for the kifwebe secret society.