Male Figure, late 1800s-early 1900s. Creator: Unknown.

Male Figure, late 1800s-early 1900s. Creator: Unknown.

2-734-553 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Male Figure, late 1800s-early 1900s. Its visual impact and workmanship suggest that this figure was used by an extended family rather than an individual. The raffia skirt around the waist and the blue and white beads are indicators of leadership. The metal appliqué covering the face and the metal blades that hedge the headgear refer to the blacksmith, a culture hero celebrated in a Songye myth narrating the formation of the state. The metal strips on the skeletal face are said to relate to lightning, signaling the figure's role as a powerful anti-sorcerer, but the contrast between white iron and red copper symbolically alludes to the ambivalent powers of the figure.


Image Details


Medium
  1. Wood, glass beads, brass, copper, iron, human teeth, antelope horn, hide, animal hair, minerals, plant fibers

Picture Type
  1. Wood

Digital Image Size

Pixel Dimensions (W x H) : 4331x6111
File Size : 77,540kb


Aliases

  1. 2010.451
  1. 168747
  1. 0940025468
  1. 2-734-553
  1. 2010.451
  1. 2734553


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