Konde (nkisi) - Nail Fetish. The Kongo may number about three million people. They occupy the region at the mouth of the Zaire River. Numerous subgroups go to form the vast Kongo cultural complex, among which the Vili, the Woyo and the Yombe are the best known. The nkisi is a spirit from the world of the dead. By extension, it is the name given to the sculptures anticipated for use by man to gain hold of a spirit from the beyond, then employing it for terrestrial aims. In order to face certain trials (illness, conflict, sterility, sorcery, etc), the Kongo take recourse in this type of object. Thus supported by a supernatural spirit from the beyond, they attempt to resolve their problem, or to intimidate or punish the individual responsible for it. An nkisi is made by a sculptor who works together with an nganga (ritual expert). The sculptor carves a male figure. Next, the nganga completes the figure by placing the ingredients that have positive or negative power in an abdominal cavity made by the sculptor. These ingredients are ‘carriers’ for a variety of magical objects, which can be sand, roots or leaves, or other objects. As one source says, the nkisi is “a hiding place for people’s souls, to keep and compose in order. The fetish is completely covered by nails and other sharply pointed metal objects driven into its surface; these objects mark each appeal made to the spirit embodied in it.

Material:  wood, nails and pieces of metal, glass

Size:  H. 20”, W. 7 ½”, D. 6”

Price:  $ 220+$27 (S&H)      Reserved  --  A. C.              [#N0K9S446]