Magical figure "nkisi nduda" · D. R. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3053422
Belgian Private Collection
Lempertz, Brussels, Belgium, 1 April 2004, lot 121
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, Germany, 5 July 2008, lot 427
Arno Henseler, Munich, Germany
Description
wood, pigments, mirror glass, plant fibres, animal skin, old collection label attached, inscribed “F.M. O 47” and “59.38.47”
As soon as the magic material “bilongo” was inserted by the witchdoctor, the object was considered to be “magically loaded” and its power “nkisi” could be activated by certain incantations.
The “nkisi nduda” were not especially adorned. Of real importance was their magic effectiveness and their ability of fortune-telling. They were used for warding off witchcraft, diseases and thieves. Bad spirits or humans being ill-disposed towards others should be banished by the reflexion of the mirror glass in order to be destroyed by the magic material affixed to the figure. They were veiled, when not in use.
Comparing literature
Kecskési, Maria, Kunst aus Afrika, München, London, New York 1999, ill. 136f
Publications
AHDRC: 0019182