Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi)

07:17 04/14/2009

Many thanks - we had a small backlog in location changes which has now been fixed.

posted by shelley

18:30 04/03/2009

I think this object IS on view.

posted by

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Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi)

An nkisi nkondi serves as a container for potent ingredients used in magic and medicine in judicial and healing contexts. To make an nkisi nkondi, a carver begins by sculpting a male human or animal figure with a cavity in the abdomen. Then a ritual expert completes the work by placing ingredients with supernatural powers on the object and in the cavity provided. He activates the figure by breathing into the cavity and immediately seals it off with a mirror. Nails and blades are driven into the figure, either to affirm an oath or to destroy an evil force responsible for an affliction or disruption of the community. The pose, with hands on hips, symbolizes the nkondi's readiness to defend a righteous person and to destroy an enemy.


• Culture: Kongo (Kakongo subgroup)
• Medium: Wood, iron, glass mirror, resin, pigment
• Possible Place Made: Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th century
• Dimensions: 33 7/8 x 13 3/4 x 11 in. (86 x 34.9 x 27.9 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 22.1421
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Overall, 22.1421_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Kongo (Kakongo subgroup). Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi), 19th century. Wood, iron, glass mirror, resin, pigment, 33 7/8 x 13 3/4 x 11 in. (86 x 34.9 x 27.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1421 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1421_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Image of a man, stuck with nails and knives. Mirror in navel. Free carved feet standing on a block. Hands at hips. Stained white in most parts. Four flat pronged high headdress. Open mouth with teeth and tongue showing. Bracelets around biceps. Condition: Good