Songye Figural Medicine Bowl, Based

A tall, narrow figure with a square cavity cut right into the chest.

Songye carvers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this figural wooden bowl in the early 20th century. The Songye are widely known for powerful figures, and bowls and containers associated with them are commonly linked to protective or medicinal use. A rounded head with a tufted crown tops a long neck and straight shoulders. A deep square basin is hollowed into the torso. The wood is dark brown and heavily worn, the lower legs end in rough breaks, and it stands on a black metal mount.

About 17 inches tall. Stands upright and lets the empty space do the talking.