A typical power figure, called ‘nkisi’ (plural: ‘minkisi’), from the Songye in southeastern Congo. Shamans load these ‘nkisi’ figures with special rituals and numerous ‘magical substances’. They are intended to protect their owners from illness, witchcraft and misfortune of any kind, as well as guarantee luck and fertility. The present, old ‘nkisi’ made of light-coloured, lightweight wood, dyed black, displays a typical Songye face, with a wide eye area, short nose, protruding small mouth and chin. Both eyes are inlaid with copper strips. The arms and hands are bent on the abdomen. With numerous ‘magical substances’ on the head and on the body: in a hole at the crown, a short antelope horn with a bundle of feathers has been inserted and glued with black tree resin. Around its neck the ‘nkisi’ displays a chain made of red, blue and white glass pearls, with a pierced animal tooth, a cowry shell, etc. Additional ‘magical substances’ are bound around the chest and abdomen, and from both arms hang ‘power-giving’ dik-dik horns. Below, the ‘nkisi’ is clothed with a wrapover skirt made of leather. Overall a considerably old power figure, with very good, partly shiny usage patina and some age-related damage (several pieces broken off on the rounded plinth below). First third of the 20th century; h: 32.5 cm (with feathers). (ME)

Provenance: German private collection.