Nkishi

The ritually charged materials in this nkishi include cowrie-shell eyes for clairvoyance and at the navel a small iron pin or miniature anvil—a symbol of the alliance between blacksmithing arts and political kingship in central Africa. Each nkishi, often named after a renowned chief, had its own power, identity, and individual reputation. Sculptures became known for their accomplishments, closely tied to the lives of the religious leaders and traditional healers who were their expert owners and operators.