Exceptional Fon Nkisi Nkondi statue, Bakongo / DR Congo - Bakongo - DR Congo (No reserve price)

NKISI NKONDI BAKONGO FETISH STATUE - DR CONGO
HEIGHT - 31 cm
WIDTH - 19 cm
DIAMETER - 51 cm
HEIGHT ON BASE - 35 cm

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

By sealing alliances, pacts, and reconciliations within the community, these statuettes drew their power from the magical charge contained in the mirror reliquary[12].

The reflective surface allowed the nkisi to see into the spirit world and spy on its prey. Some Nkondi figures were adorned with feathers. This is consistent with the concept of the figures as “beings from above or superior beings,” associating them with birds of prey.

The creation and use of nkondi figurines were also a very important part of their success. The Banganga often assembled the nkondi figures away from the village. The village was conceived as an image of the human body. The idea that its outskirts and entrances had to be protected from evil spirits applied to both the human body and the village.

When assembling the minkisi, the nganga was often isolated in a hidden place, away from the rest of the village. After the nkisi had been made and the nganga had learned how to use it properly, along with the corresponding songs, he returned to the village, his body covered in ritual paintings and behaving strangely. It seemed as though he was possessed by the spirit of the Nkisi.

This strange behavior illustrates the ngangas’ return to the world of the living. Before using the nkondi, the nganga recites specific invocations to awaken the nkondi and activate its powers. During their performances, the banganga often painted themselves
White circles around the eyes enabled them to see beyond the physical world and perceive the hidden sources of evil and disease. White stripes were painted on the participants attending the ceremony. Very often, the nganga dressed in the same way as his nkondi. The Banganga generally wore clothing 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 of blocking or sealing spiritual forces.