Power figure, Nkisi Nkondi

Anthropomorphic form. Fetish figure studded with nails, right hand raised holding what is thought to have been a sharp object (e.g. knife). The abdomen has a cavity in which a circular mirror is placed.
Used by healers to contain and control aggressive spiritual forces. These forces were attracted by medicines inserted into a cavity in the abdomen, packed in resin and covered by a circular mirror. A nail is stuck in the statuette every time its powers are asked to act.