unknown Congolese (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Congolese Primary

Nkisi N'kondi (Power Figure)

Probably 20th century

12.992 x 7.087 x 5.118 in. (33 x 18 x 13 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• carvings - Refers to works executed by cutting a figure or design out of a solid material such as stone or wood. It typically refers to works that are relatively small in size, are part of a larger work, or are not considered art. For large and medium-sized three-dimensional works of art, use the broader term "sculpture" or another appropriate term.
• Central African - Styles and cultures from a wide region of Africa that straddles the Equator and is drained largely by the Congo River system.
• Congolese - Nationality, styles, and cultures of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• fetishes - Objects believed to be enchanted, or have magical power to aid or protect its owner.
• minkisi - Sculpture used to contain potent medicines that are associated with spiritual or healing power, often taking the form of carved wooden figures or assemblages of objects, such as bundles, shells, pots, and amulets. Originating in the Congo region of Africa, their use in divination, protection, and healing rites has been carried to Cuba, Haiti, Brazil, and the American South.
• minkondi - Wooden sculptures to which medicines are added and activated during oath-taking rites, sometimes by driving nails, blades, or wood points into the sculpture's surface.
• reproduction - The process of making replicas or copies of art images, art objects, decorative arts, built works, or other valued images or objects, made without intent to deceive.
• ritual objects - Objects used for a particular ritual activity, often as part of a ceremony.
• sacred objects - Broadly, ceremonial objects that retain their sacredness in their present context. Sometimes defined more narrowly as only those needed by a present-day culture to practice their religion. For objects that are used primarily for a religious ceremony or function, but are not necessarily in themselves considered sacred, use "religious objects."
• tourism - The industry providing facilities and services to people traveling for recreation.
• wood - The principal tissue of trees and other plants that provides both strength and a means of conducting nutrients. Wood is one of the most versatile materials known.