Standing power figure "nkisi"
Description
wood, mass remains, rest.
A deepening in the chest area, as well as mass residues on the head, indicate that the figure was originally richly endowed with the magical substance “bilongo”, which must once have given it great powers.
These substances were compiled by the medicine man “nganaga”. Once they were applied, the object was considered magically charged and the magical power it contained could be activated through incantations and other measures.
The function and effect of each figurine was always purposeful. They were used to ward off harmful spells, thieves or diseases, to neutralise impending misfortune, to heal the sick, to confirm an oath and, above all, for divination.
Although the figures could also be placed on a domestic altar, they were not particularly revered. The only thing that counted was their magical effectiveness. If the figurine had lost this, it was returned to the “nganga”, who was allowed to sell it on to other customers after “reactivating” it.
Smaller figurines such as this one (approx. 30-60 cm) were probably owned by medicine men, village heads or individuals who enjoyed special prestige in the community.