TS_Art of Africa_4C.qxp 10/17/2011 3:53 PM Page 244
Nkishistatue (Songye).
Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wood, horn, metal, skins, feathers, height: 112 cm.
Private collection.The minkishi(plural of nkishi) are objects of power acting against
evil forces. After death, the spirit is reincarnated in a baby or
wanders in the wild, becoming dangerous to humans. He is
summoned in the statue to control him and ask for his help. The
different forces involved on the statue through the elements that
cover it help increase its power. Here: corn, irons, nails, animal
skins, feathers.