Who created nkisi nkondi?
(38.00 cm.) Minkisi (singular nkisi), often referred to in English as “power figures,” were made by Kongo people, such as the Yombe, residing in the area now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. These figures are, in effect, vessels for containing spiritual forces.
What is inside a nkisi?
nkisi, plural minkisi, in west-central African lore, any object or material substance invested with sacred energy and made available for spiritual protection. They contain spiritually potent substances referred to as “medicines”—such as soil, clay, or relics from a grave—to heal and defend against spiritual maladies.
How is the Nkondi Figure activated?
Nkisi nkondi figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation of pegs, blades, nails or other sharp objects inserted into its surface. If an oath is broken by one of the parties or evil befalls one of them, the nkisi nkondi will become activated to carry out its mission of destruction or divine protection.
What are African power figures?
Central African power figures are among the best known examples of African sculpture. Power figures were created collaboratively by sculptors and ritual specialists, who activated them through chants, prayers and the preparation of substances aimed at curing physical, social or spiritual ailments.
What is the purpose of a Nkondi figure of the Congo?
A nkisi nkondi can act as an oath taking image which is used to resolve verbal disputes or lawsuits (mambu) as well as an avenger (the term nkondi means ‘hunter’) or guardian if sorcery or any form of evil has been committed.
What does Nkisi Nkondi represent?
An nkisi nkondi embodies defensive power and was used to protect a community. To complete this sculpture, a ritual expert placed potent ingredients associated with supernatural powers in the cavity carved into the figure’s abdomen. Nails and blades activated the spirit that was now accessible through the figure.
How does Nkisi Nkondi represent African culture?
A nkisi (plural: minkisi) is loosely translated as a “spirit” yet it is represented as a container of sacred substances which are activated by supernatural forces that can be summoned into the physical world. In other instances minkisi can be represented as small bundles, shells, and carved wooden figures.
What are Nkisi and nkondi?
The term nkisi refers to spirit-invested objects that were empowered with medicinal and magical ingredients called bilongo. In the case of this male figure, the bilongo are enclosed in the cap on the head and in the mirror-sealed resin packet on the abdomen. The name nkondi refers to the figure’s ability to hunt down and punish wrongdoers.
What do nkondi figures look like?
In most nkondi figures the eyes and medicine pack covers were reflective glass or mirrors, used for divination. The reflective surface enabled the nkisi to see in the spirit world in order to spy out its prey. Some nkondi figures were adorned with feathers.
When did people start nailing nkondi?
Another early description and illustration of a nailed nkondi (named Mabiala mu ndemba, and described as a “thief-finder”) is found in the notes of the German expedition to Loango of 1873-76, so by that time the specific practice of nailing was well established. Female Nkisi Nkonde figure held at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
What did Stephanie Dinkins do with the nkondi?
In her mixed media composition “Intertexuality Vol. 1”, African American artist Stephanie Dinkins disposed of the human figure of the nkondi but included the nails and the replaced the mirror with a video screen showing a 3-minute presentation, in an exhibition entitled “Voodoo Show: Kongo Criollo” in 1997.