Kongo Nkisi Figure

Democratic Republic of Congo

Early 20th c

8 1/2 inches high x 3 inches wide

Ex:  Pierre Robin, Paris

$ 7,500

Inv. # A3528

Ex:  Pierre Robin, Paris

Description: Kongo/Vili standing figures called “Niksi,” were used for healing, hunting, judicial disputes, to combat witchcraft and for protection against misfortune.  Niksi are containers for empowering medicines used by ritual specialist to contact hidden forces of spirits.   This Nkisi has a mirrored cavity on it’s abdomen that holds secret medicines. The figure has glass eyes, snake skin with red fiber, collar and skull cap.  There is a bundle on it's back with small animal horns.