Small standing power figure "nkisi nduda" ·  D. R. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3033967

Description

wood, brown patina, black paint, the eyes inlayed with mirror glass, pointed teeth, tribe-typical headgear, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
as soon as the magical 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.