Head fragment of a power figure "nkisi"

Description

wood, brown patina, missing parts through insect caused damage, nose partly missing, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base.
The head should once have been part of a big figure, which belonged to a village or a community. These sculptures are created above all to promote fecundity and fertility or to insure tranquility in the village. Most frequently they bear the names “ya ntambwe” (lion) or “ya nkima” (monkey). Often these are the priestesses entrusted with their care and their appearances, particularly during the ceremonies of the new moon (the moon is regarded as the fecund principle).