Handcarved hardwooden statue with a thick, neck collar and a fibrous brown loincloth
Nails, blades and in all shapes on the torso
A crowning bundle wrapped in fibre sits on top of the head, anchored with large feathers to symbolise spiritual elevation and power
This kind of statue is called statue Nkisi nkondi or power figure, it is a spiritual container or vessel used to enforce oaths, finalize legal covenants, heal illnesses, or ward off malevolent forces
This piece stands out because it incorporates a primary head at the top and a secondary prominent face attached directly to the centre torso
This styling option represents heightened clairvoyance, double vigilance, or the ability to gaze simultaneously into the physical world and the spirit realm
A ritual specialist would drive a nail, blade, or peg into the wooden body each time a dispute was settled, a contract signed, or a curse invoked. The act of hammering the metal into the figure serves to “wake up” the spirit within to witness the agreement or attack a transgressor
Only slight traces of wear consistent with age and use
Total wieght of 3,3 kg
20^th century tribal art from the Democratic Republic of Congo