The
nkisi nkondi, also known as a nail figure or
a power
figure, is a type
of sculpture specific to the art of the democratic Republic of
Congo (Zaire). The nkisi is essentially a container of spiritual forces
that are directed to investigate the underlying cause of some chronic
problem. they are created by the work of both a sculptor and an nganga,
a spiritual specialist in Kongo society. The precise function of the
nkisi is determined by the nganga who gives it power. The nganga activates
the statue by adding symbolic materials to it that act as magical charges.
The figure's belly, or mooyo-which not coincidentally, also
translates as life or soul- is a spiritual focal
point, packed with medicines
and sealed with resin. Nails or sharp edged objects are driven into
the
figure to validate each oath or appeal. One blade represents the taking
of an oath, the witnessing of an agreement, or some other occasion
when the power of
the figure was invoked. They gradually transform the nkisi nkondi's
appearance. Consequently, each nkisi is a unique creation and can be
controlled only by the nganga who conceived of the arrangement.
To
read more about this, please visit The Metropolitan
Museum of Art's website on African
Art and Rituals of Divination.
