Nkisi (Power Figure)
Songye
1 of 4
Object Label
To judge by the proliferation of tacks on this nkishi, its function was probably to protect the owner and his or her family from smallpox, a disease widespread and greatly feared in this period.
Caption
Songye. Nkisi (Power Figure), 19th century. Wood, glass beads, fiber, cloth, copper alloy, 8 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (21.5 x 6.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1460. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Nkisi (Power Figure)
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Wood, glass beads, fiber, cloth, copper alloy
Classification
Dimensions
8 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (21.5 x 6.0 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
22.1460
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at