This large 'Nkisi' statue is of particular interest. The face and body have been sensitively rendered in exceptional detail. The original body adornment and surface patination are not commonly found...
This large "Nkisi" statue is of particular interest. The face and body have been sensitively rendered in exceptional detail. The original body adornment and surface patination are not commonly found in sculpture of this type. Also noteworthy is the unique headdress of woven fiber, (at one time it may have contained an elaborate feather array), in contrast to the more common resin cap with embedded vertical feathers.
The sculpture is basically a benevolent magical figure capable of coping with evil and bringing health and well being to those who follow its rituals. The figure has the characteristic square mirrored resin box on its abdomen, ( although it now is missing the mirror which at one time covered the fetish material), nails driven into the body inlaid eyes, (the glass inlays are now missing), and attached bone offerings. Although the stylistic characteristics of this figure are also found among the Vili, it is likely that it comes from the Yombe.