Songye people
The origin of the Songye begins when its founding ancestors Tshimbale and Kongolo (king) established the Kingdom of Luba.
Ancestral worship is very prevalent within Songye culture, it is believed that the spirit of their ancestors is more accessible to them due to their shared experience of being alive.
They must undergo a radical and violent experience in order to become less fearful of the unknown and learn their roles within the subject to Bwadi bra Kifwebe.
[5] Some of the Bwadi bra Kifwebe help regulate and maintain political order and balance between the chief and his communities.
Normally Masqueraders have a wooden mask and are covered head to toe in flowing black raffia fibers made from the bark or roots of trees.
The dances of the kifwebe dancers are meant to encourage social conformity within the community showing its people how one should behave in their society.
Typically they share similar characteristics as the male mask however it facial features are more gentle and rounded evoking the tenderness of a mother as well as the power to protect and support her children.
Songye figures serves as a protectors of the community, encourages fertility and protects families from evil spirits and practitioners.
In profile, the repetition of strong diagonals in the hair, beard forearm and feet are forceful and aesthetically pleasing.
[7] The Stance is meant to signify the Mankishi's alertness and readiness to carry out his purpose whether it is protecting its owner from evil spirits or witches and sorcerers.
Its torso is also elongated yet the center of abdomen is hollowed along with the top of the head so that the Bijimba, a magical substance created by the Nganga, can be housed in the sculpture and bring spiritual power to it.
The legs of the figure are posed in an unusual way and appears to be unfinished, this may suggests that it was covered by sacred objects and was not meant to be shown.
When a Nkishi is being used, the Nganga places shells, horns, animal skins, nails or studs and other spiritual objects outside of the figure to enhance its power and influence.
