SONGYE STATUETTE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Made of wood, metal and hide H.: 16 cm (6¹?? in.) A Songye figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo Provenance: Collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932–2009), Brussels, then passed down through the family  This austere and powerful nkisi figure is distinguished by the numerous copper nails driven into its face, chest and back. These elements were believed to protect against smallpox, a particularly dreaded disease that was frequently attributed to the forces of witchcraft. A SONGYE FIGURE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Wood, metal and hide H.: 6¹?? in. Provenance: Jean-Jacques Rotthier Collection (1932–2009), Brussels, then by descent This austere yet powerful nkisi figure is distinguished by the numerous copper studs embedded in its face, chest and back. These elements were believed to provide protection against smallpox, a devastating disease that afflicted many Central African communities and was often attributed to witchcraft.