A carved wooden male "Mankishi" effigy with well handled and worn surface and a stylized face and form.These Sculptures comes various forms and serves different purposes, Usually Mankishi are depicted as a large stylized sculptures of a standing on a base. In profile, the repetition of strong diagonals in the coiffure, beard forearm and feet are forceful and aesthetically pleasing. The horizontal shoulders arm and legs helps gives the figure a sense of energy and movement. 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 head is usually elongated with sharp facial feature such as the eyes, chin, and rectangular nose. Its torso is also elongated yet the center of abdomen is a central cavity along with the top of the head so that the Bijimba, a magical substance created by the Nganga, can be added to the sculpture and bring spiritual power to it. Songye peoples, Congo, Africa, The figure is weathered and shows small areas of decay, and measures 24 inches tall. Carved from a heavy dense wood.

fair, weathered, small chips and scrapes