Songye Bellows, D.R. Congo
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Songye Bellows, D.R. Congo
Hemingway African Gallery
88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States
Description of Significance
This rare, authentic antique Songye wooden bellows was a crucial tool in a blacksmith's forge. Carved by the Songye people, known for their rich heritage and distinct artistry, the bellows feature two hollow chambers wrapped in tanned animal hide to create are chambers. These chambers allowed the blacksmith’s apprentice to pump air through the neck, stoking the forge's fire to the necessary heat for metalworking. The Songye people, who are renowned for their powerful masks and sculptures, held their blacksmiths in high regard, viewing them with a mix of respect and awe. These blacksmiths were feared for their mastery of ironwork, creating not only tribal tools and weapons but also objects imbued with spiritual significance, used to invoke and mediate with deities and other supernatural forces. Many in the community believed these artisans possessed mystical powers, reinforcing the blacksmith’s elevated status within Songye society.
Origin
- Handcrafted in D.R. Congo
Dimensions (inches)
- Depth: 7"
- Width: 11"
- Height: 20"
- Height includes the base
Materials
- Wood
- Leather
- Iron
- Custom metal display base
Shipping
- Shipped with FedEx Ground: $45
- A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.
Our pricing reflects the asking prices set by the artists, artisans, and art dealers in the African countries where we collect, as well as the real costs of responsibly importing their work to the United States. We are committed to challenging the outdated notion that fine art from Africa should be undervalued. Paying artists fairly is our highest priority, and our pricing is structured to honor their skill, labor, and cultural contribution.
Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art or have it shipped.
We ship around the world! Our website does not process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the USA, (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information about this specific piece.
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