Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Standing Male Figure with Head Turned Left (Nkishi)

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Standing Male Figure with Head Turned Left (Nkishi)

African sculptures are almost always carved with the head facing directly forward; fewer than one in a hundred show the head turned to the left or right. This particular piece, with its turned head, was almost certainly carved by a disciple of the artist known as the Master of Muyemba, whose sculptures typically face left or right.

The shiny surface of this piece is the result of numerous applications of palm oil, placed on the figure as a sacrificial offering to the spirit force that is contacted through the object.

• Culture: Songye
• Artist: School of the Master of Muyemba
• Medium: Wood, horn, palm oil
• Place Made: South Milembwe, Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: late 19th century
• Dimensions: 24 1/4 x 5 3/4 x 6 in. (61.6 x 14.6 x 15.2 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: L2005.2.1
• Credit Line: Lent by the Beatrice Riese Collection
• Image: Front, L2005.2.1_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Songye. Standing Male Figure with Head Turned Left (Nkishi), late 19th century. Wood, horn, palm oil, 24 1/4 x 5 3/4 x 6 in. (61.6 x 14.6 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Lent by the Beatrice Riese Collection, L2005.2.1 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L2005.2.1_front_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Standing male figure on block-shaped base, head turned to the left, carved teeth and coiffure, and two horns in a crown. Head and upper torso saturated with palm oil which, even when cleaned, continues to advance towards the surface. One inch diameter cavity carved in the lower belly. Overall condition good. Old crack through base. Heavily covered in dust.