Coming from the Kongo peoples, a Nkisi refers to the spiritual nature of the figure where nkondi refers to the power of the figure itself. Spiritual and religious specialists – along with these figures – become the village protector, legal expert, healer of the sick, revengers and are even able to end disasters.
This particular nkisi nkondi, gets it power from medicinal substances put in cavities cut into the stomach area. Such medicines attract the spirit power and – in turn – the power is used on behalf of the owner or client of the figure. The power can be either negative or positive.
The mirror glass in the mid-section indicated the gateway between the spirit and human worlds. Not sure if the glass in the eye sockets have the same meaning.
Bundles of other substances like cotton and raffia that cover the figure – like with this statue – act as an additional medicinal bundle with the substances fighting diseases and infections and the binding or raffia cords symbolizing the hindering of the evil spirit causing the affliction.
For the Serious Collector and a great piece of tribal art. Stand not included.
Thanks M.S. This item as been sold.