Figure masculine magique "nkisi nkondi" · R. D. Congo, Yombe · ID: 3048925
Mark Eglinton, New York, USA
Description
wood, glass, fabric, metal, plant fibre, glass beads, base
This figure is dominated by a relatively large head and glazed eyes with painted pupils. The hanging of colourful fabric strips, strings and paraphernalia is eye-catching, as is the mass-filled tube of fabric around the neck.
The raised right arm of the figure formerly held a spear. Depicted is a man with a threatening gesture, warning his enemies of his power and strength.
A “nkisi” is an object charged with magical substances “bilongo” and inhabited by a powerful spirit. The figurative form of a “nkisi”, called “nkondi”, represents the most powerful form of these magical objects.
The figures were magically charged by the “banganga” (master/ priest of the “minkisi”) and used to protect the members of the community against illness, witchcraft and infertility. They could even be successful in hunting or used in a negative sense, for example to inflict evil on another person. It is believed that the minkondi maintain order in the society.