Figure magique "nkisi" ·  R. D. Congo, Bakongo/Yombe · ID: 3043238

Description

wood, reddish brown and dark brown patina, strongly encrusted in some areas, glazed eyes, receptacle closed by mirror glass in front of the body, slightly dam. (nose), cracks (right face half, back), abrasion of paint, rep.? (base), pedestal.
The mirror on the stomach of “nkisi” figures indicates that the figure gives the diviner access to the “other” world of death and (anti-)witchcraft. At the same time, it offers protection by reflecting evil influences and danger. To the Kongo way of thinking, the stomach is the seat of both welfare and witchcraft. There are two kinds of “nkisi”: aggressive ones which track down and punish wrongdoers, and benevolent ones which promote fertility and healing.

Littérature comparée

Grootaers, Jan-Lodewijk & Ineke Eisenburger (ed.), Forms of Wonderment, Vol. II, Berg en Dal 2002, p. 524

Publications

AHDRC: 0150601