An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Male Figure (nkishi)late 1800s–early 1900s
This figure's visual impact and workmanship suggest that an extended family––rather than an individual––used it. 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.
Researchers conducted x-ray scanning on this figure, revealing its internal structure and human teeth, an antelope horn, and animal hair.
Wood, glass beads, brass (including upholstery studs), copper alloy, iron alloy, raffia, reedbuck antelope horn, rawhide, animal hair, human teeth, organic material, minerals, and plant fibers
Overall: 64 x 24.5 x 24 cm (25 3/16 x 9 5/8 x 9 7/16 in.)
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the dim light of the gallery, a figure stands poised, drawing in the curious with its presence. From a distance, you might think this artwork was crafted by a single artisan, but as you draw closer, the craftsmanship reveals a deeper story—one that suggests a collective effort, a testament to an extended family’s shared vision. The raffia skirt gently sways with the air, infused with whispers of tradition and values that bind generations.
At the waist, a vibrant ensemble flutters, hinting at the importance of leadership within this community. Striking blue and white beads catch the light, each one a silent proclamation of authority and respect. They dance ever so slightly, embodying the spirit of a leader meant to unify and guide.
As you gaze upon the face of the figure, you can't help but notice the intricacies of its metal appliqué. The gleaming surface almost tells its own story, connecting to the revered blacksmith—a cultural hero in the tales of the Songye people. In legends passed down through time, blacksmiths are revered as pivotal figures, shaping not just tools but the very foundation of the state itself.
Above the features etched in iron, metal blades form a formidable headgear, evoking the might of craftsmanship and the lore woven around that sacred trade. Each element serves as a nod to the powers of creation and destruction—both revered and feared.
Detailed metal strips line the skeletal face, a striking interplay of design and symbolism. They evoke images of lightning, anger and power intermingling with the gentle warmth of community. This figure stands, fierce and unyielding, as a powerful anti-sorcerer, warding off the darkness that might encroach upon the lives of those it protects. Yet, it is here that complexity arises: the contrasting gleam of white iron and the rich hue of red copper whisper of the duality embedded within this guardian. They tell of powers that can both protect and harm, embodying the delicate balance that exists in the world—a reminder that every choice carries with it a weight of consequence.
As you step back, the figure looms large, not just as an artifact of art, but as a vivid manifestation of culture, ancestry, and the intricate relationships among people. It invites reflection, a silent yet resonant reminder that stories live within each creation, waiting to be uncovered.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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