Unique and Rare Nkondi Nkisi Nail Fetish Statue. Shaman. Nganga. Sculpture. Kongo. DRC. Congo.
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Created by a shaman or Nganga who gathers spiritual items (organic materials, medicines, etc) which is placed in hollow cavities in the abdomen (and sometime the forehead). In this case, such spiritual items are behind a glass shield. Nails are driven into the statue as a method of enrage or awake the Nkisi into action. Such figures are placed in cemeteries or where “spirits dwell”. After this effort, the figure is either used by the shaman (for healing, casing a spell, etc.) and/or given to the person who might have originally requested it.
Also, only the most spiritual Nkisi has glass eyes, as this one does.
What is so unique and rare is that the Nkisi’s head is turned. I have researched and researched the meaning of this… with negative results.
Truly an amazing one-of-a-kind authentic Nkisi… in good conditon.
For the Serious Collector.
This figure has sold. Thanks C.R. !