Description: Item is believed to be a Songye Nkisi Figure with Cowrie shells, metal and nails. Figure measures approximately 14” high and 4.5” wide. I acquired a HUGE Estate Collection of African tribal art, artifacts and textiles. Visit my store for more. SEE ALL PICTURES…. There are some chips in the wood. 3 business days shipping and handling Thanks for looking 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. Minkisi represent the ability to both ‘contain’ and ‘release’ spiritual forces which can have both positive and negative consequences on the community. A nkisi could be empowered to be a figure of ill-omen or of benevolence which protected against sickness or dangerous spirits. With its attachments the figure is imbued with an empowering spirit also known as nkisi. Nkisi is conceived as a power emanating from the unseen world of the dead, an omniscient force which is otherwise inaccessible to human perception. These “naked” figures usually include a hollowed head or stomach, considered to be spiritual focal points. The nganga then endows the statue with power by placing spiritually charged materials inside the hollows before sealing them with resin. Textiles that were attached to the figures were often strips from the client's clothing, and personalized the spiritual request. In addition, cloths were also attached to hide the nakedness of the figure as it was considered among the greatest insults to stare at the buttocks of nkisi. Inserting nails or pieces of metal into the nkisi to tie down an agreement or lawsuit is called bibaaku. It activates the figure to bring destruction to those who do not fulfill their end of the pact, oath, or treaty. Thus, they attempt to resolve their problem, or to intimidate or punish the individual responsible for it. A nkisi is made by a sculptor who works together with a nganga (spiritual expert). The sculptor carves a male figure. Next, the nganga completes the figure by placing the ingredients that have positive or negative power in an abdominal cavity made by the sculptor
Price: 199.5 USD
Location: Bogart, Georgia
End Time: 2025-02-03T19:20:09.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Color: Brown
Original/Reproduction: Original
Material: Wood
Tribe: Songye
Maker: Tribesman
