Standing male power figure "nkisi"
Gerald Dannenberg, New York, USA (1925-2005)
Description
wood, matt blackish brown patina, characteristic face and posture, copper sheet applications on the face, small opening in the navel filled with magical substance, animal horn on top, four strings of indigo blue glass beads around the neck, three bells attached, old collection number handwritten in white paint on the back “030”, slightly dam., cracks (thigh on the right), rep. above (a narrow vertical gap, proceeding on neck and head), small traces of insect caused damage, on base;
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.