Kongo Nkisi Nkondi power figure
The extent to which a nkisi nkondi is covered with iron blades or nails is an indication of its usage. This example is covered with iron nails, indicating that it was well known and much resorted to by persons who felt a need for redress.
The nails that crowd upon the body carry relatively few of the tokens called ‘dogs’ (bits of rag, hair of the stolen goat etc.) that would have directed the nkisi to specific tasks.
Though there were many exceptions, nkondi Kongo power figure were associated with virile symbols, since both hunting and justice were men’s activities: most, male and female, were carved without genitals; those properly equipped would have worn a concealing cloth.
For adults to expose their genitals is shocking and insulting, a supreme act of aggression. In the course of the ritual of activation specific to this nkondi the operator would have whipped off the cloth at appropriate moments, creating a calculated sensation.
This exceptional african art fetish from the Bakongo comes from the Soubry family collection to which we dedicated a blog post here.
02474
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 38 cm (40 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, metal
- Country
- Origin
- Soubry family collection, BE
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
The extent to which a nkisi nkondi is covered with iron blades or nails is an indication of its usage. This example is covered with iron nails, indicating that it was well known and much resorted to by persons who felt a need for redress.
The nails that crowd upon the body carry relatively few of the tokens called ‘dogs’ (bits of rag, hair of the stolen goat etc.) that would have directed the nkisi to specific tasks.
Though there were many exceptions, nkondi Kongo power figure were associated with virile symbols, since both hunting and justice were men’s activities: most, male and female, were carved without genitals; those properly equipped would have worn a concealing cloth.
For adults to expose their genitals is shocking and insulting, a supreme act of aggression. In the course of the ritual of activation specific to this nkondi the operator would have whipped off the cloth at appropriate moments, creating a calculated sensation.
This exceptional african art fetish from the Bakongo comes from the Soubry family collection to which we dedicated a blog post here.