What was the purpose of the Kongo female figure?
The statue has several purposes: it is an enforcer among the Kongo community, brings healing and protection, symbolizes an honor of contracts and agreements, and it serves as a mediator between the earthly and spiritual realms (AP Art History).
What is inside an nkisi?
nkisi, plural minkisi, in west-central African lore, any object or material substance invested with sacred energy and made available for spiritual protection. They contain spiritually potent substances referred to as “medicines”—such as soil, clay, or relics from a grave—to heal and defend against spiritual maladies.
How is the power of a nkisi nkondi figure released?
Nkisi nkondi figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation of pegs, blades, nails or other sharp objects inserted into its surface. If an oath is broken by one of the parties or evil befalls one of them, the nkisi nkondi will become activated to carry out its mission of destruction or divine protection.
What is a Nkisi charm?
Minkisi are typically created from vessels or sculptures made of ceramic, cloth, wood, or other material. They contain spiritually potent substances referred to as “medicines”—such as soil, clay, or relics from a grave—to heal and defend against spiritual maladies.
How might an Nganga activate the nkisi figure?
Carved by a spiritual specialist (called the nganga) who activates the figures by driving nails, blades, and other metal objects into its wooden surface to make it “angry” and “rouse it into action”
What is a nkisi Mangaaka?
Yombe artist (Mayombe, Lower Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo), Power figure (Nkisi Nkondi Mangaaka), 19th century. A nkisi is a container that holds an ancestral spirit as well as empowering materials or medicines. Clients engaged a ritual expert (nganga) to compose a nkisi, insuring its effectiveness.
How did the nkisi nkondi figure get its name?
The name nkondi refers to the figure’s ability to hunt down and punish wrongdoers. A nail or a blade was driven into the figure to prompt the inhabiting spirit at every consultation.
Which is the best example of a nkisi?
Nkisi nkondi A fascinating example of a nkisi can be found in a power figure called nkisi nkondi (a power figure is a magical charm seemingly carved in the likeness of human being, meant to highlight its function in human affairs.).
What does minkisi mean in Kongo culture?
In other instances minkisi can be represented as small bundles, shells, and carved wooden figures. Minkisi represent the ability to both ‘contain’ and ‘release’ spiritual forces which can have both positive and negative consequences on the community.
What does the glass represent in the Kongo?
The glass represents the ‘other world’ inhabited by the spirits of the dead who can peer through and see potential enemies. Elements with a variety of purposes are contained within the bilongo.