Nkisi nkondistatuette (Kongo).
Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wood, mirror, iron, ropes, feathers, cotton, height: 61 cm.
Musée du quai Branly, Paris.
The nkisi covers a complex system of surnatural forces, often negative ones,
held in material things more or less figurative, manipulated by the nganga
(healers); each having its specialities and operating codes. Nails, earth, knots,
relics who cover them, are used to move this energy. The ngangakeeps the
energy with knots and stings the nkisiwith blades to wake him up.