Power Figure
Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe: Songye
Date:

19th Century

The use of brass tacks in this piece alludes to the nature of this figure which is to cause injury or misfortune to the evildoer who has negatively affected the owner of this figure. The metal strips found on the face may relate to the effect of lightening, which is attributed to witches. Small figures such as this one were used by individuals as compared to the larger figures that served an entire community.

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