Standing male power figure "nkisi"
Description
wood, light brown and reddish brown patina, sticky in some places, two strings of glass beads in white and blue around the neck, characteristic posture with projecting belly, heavy-weighted big head with cap-like hairdo, drilled holes in chin beard, ears, forehead and head, a further small deepening filled with magical substances and reptile skin at the same place, slightly dam., cracks (shoulder and foot right hand side), minor place of repair with brass tag (?), missing parts through insect caused damage at the backside of the base and at the back of the head, pedestal;
among the Songe the most elaborate public rituals were organized on the day of the first quarter of a lunar cycle. The new moon signalled new life, fertility, and wealth, and was therefore associated with both the human life-cycle and the agricultural calendar. The spirits of the dead were venerated at this ritual time and all “mankisi” were recharged. The community “nkisi” was taken out of its home and placed on a chief’s stool surrounded by all the personal “mankisi” the villagers wanted to partake in the process. A rooster was sacrificed and its blood sprinkled on the “nkisi”. The “nkisi’s” guardian then prepared a communal meal with the sacrificial animal’s meat. Part of the meal was offered to the spirits, placed on the figure’s head. The rest was shared by the villagers in attendance. Subsequently, all the “mankisi” - community and personal- and the villagers present received an ointment consisting of palm oil and chalk or maniok flour. At this point the “nkisi” was carried from one end of the village to the other and when it was returned to its seat, the festivities began.