Power sure / Power Figure (Nkisi n’kondi)

Power gure (Nkisi n’kondi). Kongo peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). c. late 19th century C.E. Wood and metal.

• Sacred medicines and divine protection are central to the belief of the Kongo peoples (Democratic Republic of Congo). 
• Nkisi: represented as a container of sacred substances which are activated by supernatural forces that can be summoned into the physical world. 
• Visually, these minkisi can be as simple as pottery or vessels containing medicinal herbs and other elements determined to be beneficial in curing physical illness or alleviating social ills. In other instances minkisi can be represented as small bundles, shells, and carved wooden figures. 
• Minkisi represent the ability to both ‘contain’ and ‘release’ spiritual forces which can have both positive and negative consequences on the community.
• A power figure is a magical charm seemingly carved in the likeness of human being, meant to highlight its function in human affairs
• A nkisi nkondi can act as an oath taking image which is used to resolve verbal disputes or lawsuits; or as a guardian if sorcery or any form of evil has been committed. 
• Figure activated through chants, prayers and the preparation of sacred substances which are aimed at ‘curing’ physical, social or spiritual ailments.
• Nkisi nkondi figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation of pegs, blades, nails or other sharp objects inserted into its surface.
• Europeans may have encountered these objects during expeditions to the Congo as early as the 15th century; destroyed as evidence of sorcery or heathenism.
• Minkisi have left an indelible imprint as visually provocative figures of spiritual importance and protection.