Magical figure "nkisi" ·  D. R. Congo, Kongo - Vili / Yombe · ID: 3049237

Description

wood, blackish mass, fabric, rest.

This figure captivates with a particularly beautiful face. The forward leaning body and the hands on the hips give the impression of concentrated power.

The depressions on the head and chest, as well as the remains of masses there and on the back indicate that the figure was originally richly loaded with magical substances “bilongo”, that must once have given her great powers.

These substances were composed by the medicine man “nganaga”. Once applied, the object was considered magically charged, and the magical power contained in it could be activated by incantations and other measures.

The function and effect of each figure was always purposeful. They served to ward off harmful spells, thieves or illnesses, to neutralise impending disaster, to heal the sick, to confirm an oath and above all to tell fortunes.

Although the figures could also be placed on a house altar, they were not particularly revered. The only thing that counted was their magical efficacy. If the figure had lost this abilities, it was returned to the “nganga”, who was allowed to resell it to other customers after “reactivation”.

Smaller figurines like the present one (about 30-60 cm), were probably owned by medicine men, village chiefs or individuals who enjoyed special prestige in the community.

Comparing literature

Kecskési, Maria, Afrikanische Kunst, München 1976, p. 143