Power figure "nkisi"
D. R. Congo, Bakongo/Yombe
sold
EUR 2,250
Provenance
Philippe Laeremans, Liège, BelgiumSize
H: 24,3 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Description
wood, reddish brown and dark brown patina, strongly encrusted in some areas, glazed eyes, receptacle closed by mirror glass in front of the body, slightly dam. (nose), cracks (right face half, back), abrasion of paint, rep.? (base), pedestal.
The mirror on the stomach of “nkisi” figures indicates that the figure gives the diviner access to the “other” world of death and (anti-)witchcraft. At the same time, it offers protection by reflecting evil influences and danger. To the Kongo way of thinking, the stomach is the seat of both welfare and witchcraft. There are two kinds of “nkisi”: aggressive ones which track down and punish wrongdoers, and benevolent ones which promote fertility and healing.
Comparing literature
Grootaers, Jan-Lodewijk & Ineke Eisenburger (ed.), Forms of Wonderment, Vol. II, Berg en Dal 2002, p. 524Publications
AHDRC: 0150601