Power Figure (nkisi nduda)

Artist Unknown, African, Yombe Peoples Democratic Republic of the Congo1850/1899

Details

Title: Power Figure (nkisi nduda)
Creator: Artist Unknown, African, Yombe Peoples Democratic Republic of the Congo
Creator Nationality: African
Date Created: 1850/1899
Location: Congo Republic, Africa
Physical Dimensions: w44 x h47 x d40 mm (work)
Label Copy: Through the intervention of a ritual expert (nganga), an nkisi, or power figure, becomes imbued with the capacity to heal, protect, or, conversely, to do harm to one’s enemies. This nkisi’s stare suggests that it stands guard, and the mirror on its torso is intended to deflect subversive forces. Its potency is increased by bundles of medicinal herbs contained beneath the feathered turban. Strips of curling hide radiate around the figure and extend its energy into the surrounding space. Most colonial officials and missionaries banned power figures from their precincts. The large number found in art collections throughout the world speaks to the undeniable allure and charisma of these objects, as well as to the vigor with which they were removed by the authorities.
Type: Ritual Objects
External Link: http://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-2005-sl-1.191/2005_1_191.JPG?lasttype=boolean;lastview=thumbnail;resnum=1;sel9=ic_exact;size=20;sort=relevance;start=1;subview=detail;view=entry;rgn1=musart_an;select1=starts;q1=2005%2F1.191
Medium: wood, mirror, glass, hide, fiber, feathers, resin, pigment

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