Divination Torso Figure (Nkishi)
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Object Label
Magical specialists called banganga use sculptures such as this male half figure known as a mukishi as devices for protection and divination. A mukishi is infused with magical substances drawn from the wild, which activate the spirit force of the object. This figure derives its power from a small medicinal charge in the cranium, a "skirt" of monkey fur, a tiny horn worn on the right arm as an amulet, and a small gourd filled with magical substances, as well as from its sacrificial coating of palm oil.
[Text not currently in gallery]
Caption
Zimba. Divination Torso Figure (Nkishi), 19th century. Wood, fur, cord, horn, gourd, metal, palm oil, 7 3/4 x 4 x 5 1/2 in. ( 19.7 x 10.2 x14.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society in memory of Sylvia Williams, 1996.21. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Divination Torso Figure (Nkishi)
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Wood, fur, cord, horn, gourd, metal, palm oil
Classification
Dimensions
7 3/4 x 4 x 5 1/2 in. ( 19.7 x 10.2 x14.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of The Roebling Society in memory of Sylvia Williams
Accession Number
1996.21
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