Congolese Kongo People Power Figure: "Nkisi Nkonde"

This is a Congolese Bakongo figure called an "nkisi nkondi." The nkisi contains potent ingredients used in magic and medicine, in judicial and healing contexts.

To make an nkisi nkondi, a Kongo carver begins by sculpting a male human or animal figure with a cavity in the abdomen. A ritual specialist, called a "nganga", activates the figure by filling the cavity with materials such as ash, soil, herbs, and animal parts that are believed to have medicinal and magical properties.

Nkisis are made over time. Nails and blades are driven into the figure, representing petitions for help and healing, or as witness to contracts or pledges to affirm an oath. Blades and nails awaken the spirits and also destroy evil forces. Over the years, various objects will be added to the nkisi as community members ask the nganga for solutions to problems or resolutions to disputes.

While its ultimate function is benevolent, some malevolence may be required to achieve the goal.

See also: https://africa.uima.uiowa.edu/media/photos/show/2110?back=media/index?People=51&MediaType=Image&action_=Use+Filter
Source:
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/2957/Power_Figure_Nkisi_Nkondi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkisi http://www.learner.org/courses/globalart/work/153/index.html
https://africa.uima.uiowa.edu/media/photos/show/2110?back=media/index?People=51&MediaType=Image&action_=Use+Filter