This is from the Songye people and most likely from a religious shaman (nganga). Shamans prepare these figures with symbolic substances (Bilongo) from animals (e.g. blood), vegetables and/or minerals . . . placed in the abdomen, head or back behind a mirror or glass, especially those from Bakongo/Kongo tribe along the Atlantic coast.
With this statue, the substances were removed. As this piece might have been part of a museum collection and sold, it was – perhaps still is – the policy to remove the substances to de-activate any of the magic or effects.
Notice the nails have a triangular shape, indicating an older statue.
Definitely, museum quality condition dating back to the mid-1900s or earlier.
For the Serious Collector, for sure.
SOLD! Thanks C.R. !!