Songye Standing Female Figure

A long crack splits her face. The composure holds.

This standing female figure is Songye work from the Democratic Republic of Congo, early 20th century, in carved wood. Songye carvers are best known for figures made to protect a household or community, which a specialist would charge with potent substances. Heavy lids close over narrow eyes under a high domed head. A chevron band crosses the chest, both hands rest at the belly, and the navel stands out. Splits run through the dark surface, and paler wood shows at the roughly cut base. It stands 18.25 inches high.

She gives nothing away.