Power figure, c. 1900, 37 x 10 3/4 x 11 1/4 in. ( x x cm), Wood, horn, brass tacks, metalwork, glass beads, fiber, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 19th century, In a small house at the edge of a Songye village, a ritual expert would have kept a large power figure. Contrary to the much smaller personal power figures, these communally owned ones were invoked for general welfare and protection against illness, sorcery, and war. The three horns atop this figure’s head once contained substances that enhanced its mystical power.

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Size: 2923px × 6086px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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