Nkisi-Bakongo ancestor statue - Nkisi - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 450 - € 500
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Bakongo
Material. Wood, nails, iron.
Dimension. 78 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
Ancestor statue Nkisi-Nkondi-Kongo
This piece is a power figure called Nkisi Nkondi (plural minkisi), originating from the Kongo people (now spread across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo).
Nkisi Nkondi. The term nkisi designates an object that serves as a receptacle for a spirit, and nkondi means "hunter", Kongo (or Bakongo).
These statues are not decorative objects or passive cult idols. They are power objects, activated by a ritual specialist called the Nganga.
The figure is carved in wood. It often adopts an anthropomorphic (human) posture, sometimes with hands on the hips or in a defiant position.
The metallic elements: The nails, blades, and pieces of metal driven into the body are not there by chance. Each metal piece inserted into the wood represents a sealed oath, an agreement made, or a dispute settled before the nkisi. The act of driving in the metal serves to "awaken" the spirit and compel it to become the witness and guarantor of the agreement.
The ventral cavity: You will often notice a cavity at the level of the belly (sometimes covered with a mirror or resin). This area is intended to receive the bilongo, a charge of magical and sacred substances (herbs, earth, bones, etc.) that gives the statue its spiritual power.
These statues played a crucial role in regulating Kongo society:
Justice and conflict resolution: When an individual took an oath, signed a contract, or pledged not to commit a crime, a nail was driven into the statue. The spirit of the statue was thus charged with tracking down and punishing anyone who broke their promise.
They were also used to protect the community against malevolent forces, witchcraft, or external enemies.
The Nganga’s role: The priest or healer (Nganga) was the sole person authorized to manipulate the Nkisi, prepare the bilongo, and lead the rituals necessary to activate or deactivate the statue’s power.
Although these objects are often described as "fetishes" in colonial-era language, that term is today considered reductive or inappropriate. They are complex legal, spiritual, and social instruments, essential to the functioning of community life and Kongo traditional justice.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Bakongo
Material. Wood, nails, iron.
Dimension. 78 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
Ancestor statue Nkisi-Nkondi-Kongo
This piece is a power figure called Nkisi Nkondi (plural minkisi), originating from the Kongo people (now spread across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo).
Nkisi Nkondi. The term nkisi designates an object that serves as a receptacle for a spirit, and nkondi means "hunter", Kongo (or Bakongo).
These statues are not decorative objects or passive cult idols. They are power objects, activated by a ritual specialist called the Nganga.
The figure is carved in wood. It often adopts an anthropomorphic (human) posture, sometimes with hands on the hips or in a defiant position.
The metallic elements: The nails, blades, and pieces of metal driven into the body are not there by chance. Each metal piece inserted into the wood represents a sealed oath, an agreement made, or a dispute settled before the nkisi. The act of driving in the metal serves to "awaken" the spirit and compel it to become the witness and guarantor of the agreement.
The ventral cavity: You will often notice a cavity at the level of the belly (sometimes covered with a mirror or resin). This area is intended to receive the bilongo, a charge of magical and sacred substances (herbs, earth, bones, etc.) that gives the statue its spiritual power.
These statues played a crucial role in regulating Kongo society:
Justice and conflict resolution: When an individual took an oath, signed a contract, or pledged not to commit a crime, a nail was driven into the statue. The spirit of the statue was thus charged with tracking down and punishing anyone who broke their promise.
They were also used to protect the community against malevolent forces, witchcraft, or external enemies.
The Nganga’s role: The priest or healer (Nganga) was the sole person authorized to manipulate the Nkisi, prepare the bilongo, and lead the rituals necessary to activate or deactivate the statue’s power.
Although these objects are often described as "fetishes" in colonial-era language, that term is today considered reductive or inappropriate. They are complex legal, spiritual, and social instruments, essential to the functioning of community life and Kongo traditional justice.
Details
Indigenous object name
Nkisi
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Nkisi-Bakongo ancestor statue
Height
78 cm
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