Fetiche Nkissi

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.

Statue with raised arm, size important. Body completely covered with nails and iron sheets, representing the contracts that the sorcerer has passed with his clients. Face painted in white, color of mourning, with vertical stripes, red and black, which appear scarifications. Glass eyes, painted and open mouth.