Nkisi Power Figure

Origin: Bakongo Tribe, D.R. Congo
Composition: wood, rope, glass, feathers (Great Blue Turaco), shells, animal hide, textile, pigments, natural materials

Within the Bakongo tribal society, power figures, or "fetishes," have traditionally served the tribe and community in many ways. This type of power figure, known as "nkisi," served as a doctor, judge, and priest for the tribe. These figures were also used for healing, curing illness and plague, resolving strife (personally or communally), fighting sorcery, and for insuring success in hunting, trading, and sex.

Historically, the ritual expert, known as nganga, would attach magically charged materials (shells, feathers, hide) and "bundles" filled with similarly powerful materials (the sack carried on the back) to the nkisi in order to  activate its power. The Bakongo word for “belly” also means “life,” or “soul,” and activating materials were placed inside the sealed compartment there as well (Ref: Bacquart, Tribal Arts of Africa).

This piece was purchased directly from the Bakongo tribe in the Congo in 2006.