Internal anatomy replication in a tribal art statue (Songye, 17th c. AD)

Abstract

Abstract CT-scan is now an indispensable tool for the study of museum objects. The non-invasive and non-destructive nature of this technique allows a thorough study of artifacts and reveals their internal structures. Here we present the results of a CT-scan examination of a nkishi wooden sculpture from the Songye ethnic group (Democratic Republic of Congo), conserved in the Museum of quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (Inv. 70.2012.29.1.1), Paris, France. This exam put to light considerable data regarding the magical-religious structure of this statue, presently a full internal anatomic replication (a roughly cylindrical cavity developed from the vertex to the anus, with other segmentations from the central duct to the mouth, the umbilicus and both ears). Heterogeneous material, made of successive magical offerings, was present in all the different cavities. This interdisciplinary study of this nkishi statue allowed us to better understand the use of this artifact and so put on light a part of the rites of the Songye ethnic group. This means that the anthropomorphism of the fetishes is pushed to its climax, and that the offerings are literally digested by the statue, as if it were a living being. More, this study highlights the interest of a bio-medical examination of tribal objects for a better understanding of the beliefs in autochthon communities.