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African Songye Tribe Carved Nail Fetish Figure

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
African Songye Tribe Carved Nail Fetish Figure
Carved wood figure with numerous nails, small bags, removeable sword, mirrored eyes, mouth and satchel. During the 16th century, the Songye migrated from the Shaba area, which is now the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and settled on the left bank of the Lualaba River, on a savannah and forest covered plateau. Divided into numerous sub-groups, the Songye are governed by a central chief, the Yakitenge, whose role demands that he obey special restrictive laws such as not showing grief, not drinking in public and not shaking hands with men. In addition, local rulers, the Sultani Ya Muti, distribute plots of land to their villagers and an influential secret society, Bwandi Bwa Kifwebe, counterbalance their power. The Songye tribe is a patriarchal society. 31.5" H, wear throughout, appears to be large chip in foot area. Early 20th century.