Power figure "nkisi" ·  D. R. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3039095

Description

wood, stained patina, greyish brown and black, encrusted in some areas, traces of red and white pigment, glazed eyes with painted pupils, container for magical substances to the front, covered with mirror glass, headdress with drilled holes (for magical attachment), animal claws, the open mouth originally filled with mass, slightly dam., missing parts (mouth), abrasion of paint, base;
“the “nkisi”-object is basically a container for animal, vegetable, and mineral materials known as “medicines” (“bilongo”) that expressed by their names, forms or provenance the aims that the “nkisi” was expected to achieve and the powers that enabled it to do so. But not just their magical loading but even the gesture of the “nkisi” figures seems to have had special meaning. The posture of present figure with the raised right arm which once held a knife, is called “métanana”. Such “nkisi” were used for taking oaths or for closing contracts. Those who broke their word were punished by the “nkisi”. The threatening pose (raised arm with the now missing knife) attests a strong offensive power.