Nkissi Arm Lifted

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.

Sometimes they wield a weapon, usually a spear in the right arm's raised hand and their faces must be aggressive, although they are fetishes normally benefactors, but by their appearance they try to intimidate the wicked.

Nails or blades are a kind of signature that closes the Nganga's pact with the customer in relation to a given word or promise. If the agreement is broken, the Nganga must remove the nail or foil that symbolizes that covenant so that it is annulled and he must be very careful not to get the nail wrong. The Nganga would lose his prestige if he was forced to pluck nails.

These hidden forces are neither good nor bad, which is why they must be guided by the specialist so that the effect sought by the client arises.They are used in divinatory or curative practices. Families, individuals or peoples may address the Nganga for a specific demand, cure a sick person, obtain a good harvest, win a war, expose a guilty person, clarify a crime, fight the spells of a sorcerer, favor hunting, childbirth or administer justice. As many demands as the needs can be met by the members of the community.

This Nkissi carries his mouth open and his tongue out, so he might get related to a griot. Old patina.