Nkisi Nkonde (nail fetish); a fetish figure in wood; the surface is covered with a variety of accoutrements: nails, reed, shells, bone, wood, string and clay; the 'magic' receptacle in the abdominal area bears a mirror

Power figure, early 20th century

expand_more

It looks like a man being punished or tortured. But to its Kongo makers and users, this figure was a container, empowered by a ritual specialist to house a specific spirit. The figure was consulted like a traditional chief to settle disputes and arrive at binding decisions. Each nail and blade, driven in to energize its powers, represents an issue resolved by its ritual authority.

Explore

Audio

Kongo, Nkisi Nkondi (#437)
Details
Title
Power figure
Role
Artist
Accession Number
71.3
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Nkisi Nkonde (nail fetish); a fetish figure in wood; the surface is covered with a variety of accoutrements: nails, reed, shells, bone, wood, string and clay; the 'magic' receptacle in the abdominal area bears a mirror