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Figure, nkisi
Kongo
late 19th century
Wood, pigment, feathers, metal, mirror, cloth, leather
H. 35 cm
TC 19

Nkisi (pl. minkisi) is both the name of a spirit and a figure that can be made to contain the spirit. A nganga or ritual specialist can make a figure a nkisi by imbedding animal and plant substances into it, often in a mirror covered cavity on the stomach. Thus charged, the nkisi is able to identify and attack a sorcerer who may be causing harm to certain individuals or the community at large; as well, minkisi were deployed to resolve conflicts among tribe members. While most minkisi hold a dagger in hand held up high, indicating their role as avenger, some stand with hands akimbo, suggesting their role as Supreme Being.

Provenance:
James Willis, San Francisco, 1995
Christie's New York. May 18, 1993: lot 155
Clayre and Jay Haft
A. Muller

Publishing History:
Raoul Lehuard. Art Bakongo. Les Centres de Style. Arts d'Afrique noire 2, Arnouville, 1989:245: fig. D 6-1-3.