Female power figure "nkisi" ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3033289

Description

wood, brown patina, black paint, string of blue glass beads, tube filled with magical substances, stripes of copper sheet stud to face and abdomen, min. dam., minor missing parts through insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion;
the magical figures (“mankisi”; sing. - “nkisi”) were not conceived as objects of display but as intimate devices used for protection, healing or therapy. The determinating factor in their assessment is not visual but is rather dependent on the magical ingredients (=“bishimba”) concealed in the abdominal cavity, the top of the head or in a horn set into the cranium. These hidden animal, vegetal and mineral substances aquire potency and interact with the spirit realm when assembled according to a prescribed formula by the “nganga”. External attachments on magical figures are intended to augment the visual impact of the “nkisi”. Reptile skins used for belts seem to relate to the status of ministers. Metal strips are said to relate to lightning. Thus on the “nkisi” this facial sign seems to signal its dual capacity to counteract and redirect aggressive action against the evildoer.

Comparing literature

Neyt, Francois, Songye, LBrüssel 2004, p. 64, ill. 22