Title Amazing Songye fetish statue from shaba Democraric Republic of Congo Types of object Statue County of origin Democratic Republic of congo People Songye Materials Wood Approximate size 30 cm 12 inches high SONGYE TRIBAL INFORMATION LOCATION Southeastern Congo (Zaire) POPULATION 150,000 LANGUAGE KiSongye (Bantu) NEIGHBOUR Luba, Sungu, Tetela, Mputu, Luntu, Binji, Kaniok, Kusu TYPES OF ART There are numerous mask styles associated with the Songye. Power objects and objects associated with divination are also prevalent in Western collections. In the past many Songye objects have been misattributed to the Luba and vice versa. HISTORY Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the Luba homeland. The Lomani River divides Songye territory and marks the boundary of the areas invaded by the Luba. As a result of these geographic and political differences there emerged of two distinct social structures among the eastern and western Songye and two stylistic differences in art forms between the two areas. ECONOMY Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the Luba homeland. The Lomani River divides Songye territory and marks the boundary of the areas invaded by the Luba. As a result of these geographic and political differences there emerged of two distinct social structures among the eastern and western Songye and two stylistic differences in art forms between the two areas. Political Systems The Songye are divided into about 35 subgroups. The paramount chief (Yakitenge) and his advisers are the central power in Songye territory. Many of the subgroups were actually quite large, were often spread over many miles, and were densely populated Religions The creator god of the Songye is Efile, although sacrifices are not made directly to him. Much attention is focused on familial ancestors, to whom sacrifices are made to encourage the well-being of the individual and the family Please note I will give discount on combined shipping if purchasing multiple items you pay the full cost of the highest postage item and each additional item I reduce as follows:items Good luck and thanks for looking. Please note I do combined shipping as follows: : I charge for each additional item where postage is: 15 USD I reduce to 10 USD 20 USD I reduced to 14 USD 25 USD I reduce to 16 USD 30 USD I reduce to 20 USD 35 USD I reduce to 25 USD 40 USD I reduce to 29 USD 45 USD I reduced to 30 USD 50 USD I reduce to 34 USD 55 USD I reduce to 37 USD 60 USD I reduce to 41 USD 65 USD I reduce to 43 USD 70 USD I reduce to 46 USD 75 USD I reduce to 49 USD 80 USD I reduce to 55 USD I also look the combine weight and reduce further where possible