Fetiche Nkissi A Lo Jano

The statues Minkissi ( sing.: Nkissi) of the Kongolike all the Nkissi, are protective figures that acquire their strength and power after being loaded by the Nganga with all the magic ingredients needed to reach the intended end. The name Nkissi comes from the objects from which fetishes Nkondi are carriers, means sacred. These objects, which contain the magic load, can be small bags with certain herbs or substances, roots, small statuettes, hair, shells, beaks and nails, bones or multitude of elements, which after being loaded will acquire their magical potential. These charges, nkissithey are placed on the head or belly of the nkondi, hence the name Nkissi-nkondi. The magic charge, bilongois intended to cure, to favor good hunting, fishing or harvesting and mainly to protect against witchcraft and the evil effects of sorcery Kindoki. But if proper use is not made it can have a negative effect.

These statues are not intended to be contemplated but manipulated by the Nganga They must act so that through their mediation beings from beyond can intervene either by protecting or causing harm. These hidden forces are neither good nor bad, which is why they must be guided by the specialist to emerge the effect sought by the client, such as fighting a spell, healing a disease, clarifying a crime or favoring hunting or childbirth.

They are a figure called the Janus, because they have two heads opposed by the skull, they carry the magina load around the body. Two hippopotamus teeth come out of the shoulders. Brown patina.