Ancient Artifacts & Antiquities, May
Lot 254:
12" African Nkisi Power Fetish Figure from the Congo - Mid Century
The Nkisi power figures, particularly the Nkisi Nkondi, are fascinating artifacts from the Kongo peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These figures are deeply spiritual and serve as vessels for sacred substances believed to summon supernatural forces. They were often used to resolve disputes, seal oaths, or protect against evil.What makes them visually striking are the nails, blades, or other sharp objects embedded into their surfaces. Each insertion represents a vow, treaty, or effort to abolish wrongdoing. The figures often have a cavity, typically in the stomach or head, where medicinal substances called bilongo are stored, activating their spiritual power. This statue has the cavity in the stomach with glass over it. The Eyes also have had shards of glass embedded in the wood. Mid to late 1900’s is our guess on age.
Condition: Authentic
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