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SONGYE - Dem. Rep. of Congo
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.
The Songye Bwadi Ba Kifwebe society enjoys extreme respect among its people. This society includes individuals with supernatural power (basha masende) who are believed to be able to manipulate spirits by means of magical techniques. The Kifwebe masqueraders wear the mask with a woven costume and a long raffia beard. The masks with a central crest are male and the size of the mask determines the magical power of the mask. Danced at initiation, circumcision and funeral ceremonies, the male mask is accompanied by a female mask that has no crest. The male masquerader dances in an aggressive, uncontrolled manner to promote social conformity, whereas the ‘female’ masquerader would dance in a gentler and controlled motion thought to be associated with reproduction ceremonies. These masks are also seen carved into the center of shields.
The Songye are also well known for their power figures, nkisi, which act as ediating vessels containing magical substances that serve as spirit protectors against evil forces. They are to restore and maintain the well being of owners and possess both benevolent and malevolent functions to ensure balance and continuity within the group. Construction of a nkisi is the responsibility of a ritual expert, who would instruct the carver as to size and wood to be used. They are usually male, carved standing on a circular base, their hands resting on their abdomen. Characteristically they have large heads, square chins, open mouths and a triangular nose. Metal is often incorporated in the face of the figure, and a cavity is formed in the abdomen and the head where magical substances, bashimba, are placed to enhance the magical power of the nkisi, the head cavity is normally sealed off by the insertion of a horn, which protrudes up. The larger figures are kept in special huts to protect the entire village, while the smaller ones are to protect individuals, against death and disease.
The Songye also carved an array of daily use objects such as stools, headrests, bracelets and axes.
Songye Tribal Art
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