Anthropomorphic power figure "nkishi" (pl. "mankishi") · D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3052055
Description
wood, metal, reptile skin, fabric, glass beads, rest.
These large-scale “mankishi” acted as intermediaries between the spirits of the ancestors and the living. They were believed to benefit the entire community.
The figure still bears some of the paraphernalia with which it was once endowed by the magician and magically charged with accompanying incantations. The eyes are set with cone-shaped metal, forehead and bridge of the nose are covered with copper sheet, and the head is crowned by a “diadem” of metal pieces.
The object Anthropomorphic power figure “nkishi” (pl. “mankishi”) with the object ID 3052055 was part of the auction Auction 105 on November 15, 2025, lot number 376 at that time and is currently available for EUR 3,500 in Open sale.
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