Power figure "nkisi" against small pox
Paul & Ursula Seiler, Basel, Switzerland
Swiss Private Collection
Adrian Schlag, Brussels, Belgium
Jacques Germain, Montreal, Canada
Description
wood, dark brown patina, eyes with cowrie shell inlay, metal anklets, the body in parts densely stud with metal tags, cylindrical metal sleeves at belly and head as well as drilled ear holes served for insertion of magical material “bishimba”, slightly dam., cracks, missing parts (both heels);
smaller “nkisi” like the present one are made for the private use of an individual, customized to his or her personal needs by the “nganga”. These privately commissioned works were kept in their owner’s home. In order to motivate the ancestors to provide assistance in a personal crisis, suppliants offer prayers and sacrifices to them. The metal pegs present figure is stud with, were said to have been intended as protection from smallpox, which occured epidemically between 1920 and 1930 and which was attributed to witchcraft. The magical ingredients filled into the metal sleeves and drilled ear holes were thought to enhance the effectiveness of the “nkisi”.