Nkissi
Kongo-Yombe · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: MYA-21
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- Height
- 16 cm
- Material
- Wood, rope, cauris, coin, resin and magic load.
The Nkissi statues of the Kongolike all Nkissi, they are protective figures that acquire their strength and power after being loaded by the Nganga with all…
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Full original description
The Nkissi statues of the Kongolike all Nkissi, they are protective figures that acquire their strength and power after being loaded by the Nganga with all the magical ingredients necessary to reach the intended end. This chargemagic is destined to cure, to favor a good hunting, fishing or harvest and mainly to protect against witchcraft and the evil effects of kindoki sorcery. But if proper use is not made, it can have a negative effect. This Nkissi is intended for ritual practices of divination or magic. Red patina.
This little Nkissi presents the open mouth showing carved teeth, characteristic of the Yombe, a ringed neck with string and hands in the belly in peace. The coin serves as the cover of the bilongo or magical load, attached to the statuette with resin. The currency is the French Conolial Africa in progress in the 1950s. Small expressive figure with numerous details. Brown patina.
Further technical information
- Width
- 5 cm
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
