Nkisi Nkondi are mystical statuettes made by the Kongo people of the Congo region.
nkondi means "hunter" because they can hunt down and attack wrong-doers, witches, or enemies.
The wooden figures would be carved by a sculptor who would create a cavity in the head or stomach, which then would be packed with materials chosen for their spiritual significance, such as dirt from an ancestor’s grave. The cavity would then be covered by a mirror or glass, which was believed to allow the spirit to peer through into our world.
The nails in the figure indicate the number of times the spirit was invoked. The spirit would then hunt down wrongdoers, such as thieves or an oath breaker. Nkisi nkondi were used publicly by entire villages and tribal leaders and were intended to protect the innocent. Use by an individual for private gain was considered to be witchcraft.
Statue measures 26” tall
item no.501
Photos form part of the description.
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