Brooklyn Museum: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Power Figure (Nkishi)

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Power Figure (Nkishi)

Judging by the multitude of tacks on this nkishi, its function was probably to protect the owner and his family from smallpox, a disease once widespread and greatly feared.

Culture: Songye
Medium: Wood, glass beads, fiber, cloth, copper alloy
Place Made: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dates: 19th century
Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (21.5 x 6.0 cm)
Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
Accession Number: 22.1460
Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Image: Overall, 22.1460_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

Catalogue Description: Wooden figure; soft wood. Fetish. Standing and profusely covered with upholstery tacks, striped cloth, covering fetish material, elaborate necklace of brass beads. Condition: Poor

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