Power figure "nkisi"

Description

wood, brown patina, typical posture, striking big hands, elaborate carved coiffure, animal horn on top of the head, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on base;
the multiple chiefdoms forming the Songe cultural complex are particularly known for their variety and abundance of magical figures (“mankisi”; sing. “nkisi”) which are used to alleviate a host of personal and communal problems. The external attachments to magical figures are intended to augment the visual impact of the “nkisi”. The horn set into the cranium symbolizes power, fertility and abundance.