Exceptional Fon Nkisi Nkondi statue

STATUE FÉTICHE NKISI NKONDI BAKONGO - RD.CONGO HEIGHT - 31 cm WIDTH - 19 cm DIAMETER - 51 cm HEIGHT ON BASE - 35 cm Most nkondi figures had eyes and medicine pouches made of reflective glass or mirrors, used for divination. These statuettes, sealing alliances, pacts, and reconciliations within the community, owe their power to the magical charge enclosed in the mirror reliquary[12]. The reflective surface allowed the nkisi to see into the spirit world in order to spy on its prey. Some Nkondi figures were adorned with feathers. This goes hand in hand with the concept of figures as “beings from above or higher beings,” which associates them with birds of prey. The creation and use of nkondi figurines was also a very important component of their success. The Banganga often composed the nkondi figures away from the village. The village was thought of as reflecting the human body. The idea that the surroundings and entrances had to be protected from evil spirits concerned both the human body and the village. During the composition of the minkisi, the nganga is often isolated in a hidden place, away from the rest of the village. After the nkisi has been constructed and the nganga has learned how to use it well as well as the corresponding songs, he returns to the village, the body covered with ritual paints, behaving in a strange manner. It would seem as if he is inhabited by the Nkisi spirit. This strange attitude illustrates the return of the ngangas to the world of the living. Before using the nkondi, the nganga recites specific invocations to awaken the nkondi and activate its powers. During their performances, the banganga were often painted. The white circles around the eyes allowed them to see beyond the physical world and to see the hidden sources of harm and disease. White stripes were painted on the participants present at the ceremony. Very often, the nganga was dressed in the same way as his nkondi. The Banganga usually wore clothing that set them apart from ordinary people. They wore ornaments (necklaces, bracelets, headdresses...) and often incorporated knots into their clothing. Each knot was a means of blocking or sealing spiritual forces.

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