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Niksi reliquary figure

Unknown author20th century (?)

Museum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art

Museum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
Lisboa, Portugal

"Nkisi" are ritual sculptures used by the group Kongo (Angola) as a recipient and an instrument for the management of magical/religious forces by the Nganga, or spiritual healer. One of its arms is raised, threateningly, and would have originally held a knife or a spear, and therefore this "Nkisi" is a "Nkondi", i.e., a hunter, that would have been used to search and identify sorcerers, adulterous, thieves or any other elements responsible for disturbing social order.

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  • Title: Niksi reliquary figure
  • Creator: Unknown author
  • Date Created: 20th century (?)
  • Location Created: Cabinda, Angola
  • Physical Dimensions: 24.5 cm
  • Type: Sculpture
  • Rights: Collection: National Museum of Ethnology. Image: DGPC/ADF
  • Medium: Wood
  • Catalog number: MNE: AL.060
Museum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art

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