Artwork Page for Power figure (nkisi)

Details / Information for Power figure (nkisi)

Power figure (nkisi)

late 1800s–early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo, Kongo-style maker

Medium
Wood, feathers, organic material (including resin), iron, and possibly porcelain
Measurements
Overall: 29.5 x 12 x 16 cm (11 5/8 x 4 3/4 x 6 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.440
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This niksi figurine shows how the mixture of earth, resin, leaves, glass, and other items was fixed. It had been the property of “the sorcerer of Mboukou.”

Description

This figure had lost its nkisi load on the belly, but now shows how the mixture of earth, resin, leaves, glass, and other items was fixed onto the wooden figure, supported by four nails. It had been the property of “the sorcerer of Mboukou.”
A dark brown wood sculpture depicts a standing human figure on a rectangular base with hands resting on hips. The figure features large white eyes and a closed mouth. Four long, thin feathers extend from a textured headpiece high above the head. Several short iron pegs protrude from the chest and stomach area. The wood appears matte and weathered, with a vertical crack running down the center of the torso.

Power figure (nkisi)

late 1800s–early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo, Kongo-style maker

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