Big power figure "nkisi"

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, massive forms, eyebrows, nose, mouth and tattoos marked by copper sheet, eyes inset with metal tags, the mouth and a circular cavity in the belly filled with magical material, animal horn on top of the head, small turtle shell attached to a string around the breast, rest. (horn), min. dam., fissures, insect caused damage (base, hollowed out in parts);
among the Songe the most elaborate public rituals were organized on the day of the first quarter of a lunar cycle. The new moon signalled new life, fertility, and wealth, and was therefore associated with both the human life-cycle and the agricultural calendar. The spirits of the dead were venerated at this ritual time and all “mankisi” were recharged. The community “nkisi” was taken out of its home and placed on a chief’s stool surrounded by all the personal “mankisi” the villagers wanted to partake in the process. A rooster was sacrificed and its blood sprinkled on the “nkisi”. The “nkisi’s” guardian then prepared a communal meal with the sacrificial animal’s meat. Part of the meal was offered to the spirits, placed on the figure’s head. The rest was shared by the villagers in attendance. Subsequently, all the “mankisi” - community and personal- and the villagers present received an ointment consisting of palm oil and chalk or maniok flour. At this point the “nkisi” was carried from one end of the village to the other and when it was returned to its seat, the festivities began.