Power Figure (Nkishi)
Songye
1 of 4
Object Label
This figure’s protruding abdomen allowed room for the insertion of various medicines by an nganga (ritual specialist) to activate the spirit force reached through the figure. These ingredients were sealed in a cavity behind the tack at the navel. The figure’s oily surface is probably the result of rubbing with palm oil or fat obtained from crushed termite queens.
Caption
Songye. Power Figure (Nkishi), late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, metal, organic materials, 8 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (21.7 x 6.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 56.6.43. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Power Figure (Nkishi)
Date
late 19th or early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Wood, metal, organic materials
Classification
Dimensions
8 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (21.7 x 6.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos
Accession Number
56.6.43
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