Kongo (Bakongo, Bashikongo, Kakongo),  Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Konde (nkisi) -- nail fetish. 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 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 body of the fetish is covered by nails driven into its surface; these objects mark each appeal made to the spirit embodied in it.

Material:  wood, nails, fur, feathers, tissue, shells

Size:  H. 23”, W. 7”, D. 8 ½”

Price: $270+$30 (S&H)                           [#N8K9S593]