Fetish

Large fetish widely spread in male and female versions throughout large areas of the former Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly in the Shaba region, where they have been installed since the century. XVI.

It is a protective fetish of the village, of the clan or unites a collectivity of some importance, contrary to the small fetishes intended for family protection. The Nkissi is a fetish mediator between God and men. The Songye They have created these impressive statues of powerful features. Often used in secret ceremonies, they are covered with feathers, furs, horns with magic charges and a battery of powerful amulets. These accessories constitute the magic charge of the fetish and acquire its strength after the rites celebrated by the Nganga, Sorcerer, priest, or soothsayer, often all three. The distinctive feature is his resemblance to the male mask kifwébé or female kikashi.