Small power figure "nkisi"
Description
wood, dark brown patina, two metal rings, necklace, accurately carved, three small animal horns in the parting, filled with magical substances, striking large feet, slightly dam., minor missing parts through insect caused damage (right forearm), crack (backside), base;
Songe “mankisi” can be generally divided into two basic categories depending on size. Large examples are the collective property of a village and serve community needs, wheras small figures are personal belongings of an individual or at the most a family. The literature speaks of community “mankisi” and personal “mankisi”. The latter were meant to preserve womens fertility, they also protected against sorcerers, guarded the home against lightning, or ensured good harvest. The majority of personal “mankisi” were discarded soon after their production, for once the desired effect was attained, the empowering substances lost their efficacy.