Songye Terra Cotta Vase
Tribe: Songye
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Material: Terra cotta
Size: 11.5" (29.2 cm)
Condition: See images, small chip in the rim of the pot.
Songye pottery has a raised design, though the pot is left rough. The Songye migrated from the Sheba area to the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (ex. Zaire), on the banks of the Lualaba River, settling in the savannah and forested plateau. The Songye follow a patriarchal society and are economically sustained by farming. A central chief known as Yakitenge governs them, who because of his status as chief has some limitations posed on him, he cannot show grief, he can’t drink in public and can’t shake hands with men.
Traditionally, the Songye relied on farming and hunting for subsistence. Fishing was not practiced unless it was during times of dire need, as rivers were associated with the spirits of deceased chiefs whose burial ceremonies often took place in the rivers. The pottery and weaving made by the Songye women and metal work by the men were regularly traded with neighboring peoples.
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