EXCEPTIONAL FON NKISI NKONDI STATUE BAKONGO / DR CONGO - Bakongo - DR Congo (No reserve price)

FETISH NKISI NKONDI STATUE - BAKONGO - DRC
HEIGHT - 31 cm
WIDTH - 19 cm
DIAMETER - 51 cm
HEIGHT ON PEDESTAL - 35 cm

Most Nkondi figures had eyes and medicine pouches made of reflective glass or mirrors, used for divination.

These statues, sealing alliances, pact, and reconciliations within the community, owe their power to the magical charge encased in the mirror reliquary[12].

The reflective surface allowed the nkisi to look into the spirit world in order to watch its quarry. Some Nkondi figures were adorned with feathers. This goes hand in hand with the concept of figures as “beings from above or higher beings,” which associates them with birds of prey.

The creation and use of Nkisi figures was also a very important component of their success. The Banganga often composed the Nkondi figures away from the village. The village was conceived as reflecting the human body. The idea that the surroundings and entrances must be protected from evil spirits concerned both the human body and the village.

When composing the minkisi, the nganga is often isolated in a hidden place, apart from the rest of the village. After the nkisi has been constructed and the nganga has learned how to use it properly along with the corresponding songs, he returns to the village, his body covered with ritual paintings, behaving in an odd manner. It would seem as if he is inhabited by the Nkisi spirit.

This strange attitude illustrates the return of the ngangas to the world of the living. Before using the nkondi, the nganga recites specific invocations to wake the nkondi and activate its powers. During their performances, the Banganga often paint themselves. The white circles around the eyes allowed them to see beyond the physical world and to discern the hidden sources of evil and disease. White stripes were painted on the participants present at the ceremony. Very often, the nganga wore clothing identical to that of his nkondi. The Banganga generally wore garments that set them apart from ordinary people. They wore ornaments (necklaces, bracelets, headdresses...) and often incorporated knots into their clothing. Each knot was a way to block or seal spiritual forces.