Community Power Figure: (Nkisi)
19th–20th century
This imposing standing male figure is the joint creation of a skilled carver and a trained ritual practitioner, or nganga (pl. banganga). Across Central Africa, such ritual specialists are major patrons of such power objects.
19th–20th century
This imposing standing male figure is the joint creation of a skilled carver and a trained ritual practitioner, or nganga (pl. banganga). Across Central Africa, such ritual specialists are major patrons of such power objects.
Acting as intercessors between ancestral spirits and the living, minkishi were intended to benefit the entire community. The creation of a nkishi was a public event that brought together the community, a skilled carver and experienced nganga.
Chiefs and elders commissioned the nkishi and the community was responsible for cutting the tree selected for the carving. Both the carver and the nganga had to be well established in their respective professions.
Once completed, the nkishi was kept in a special enclosure positioned in a highly visible location, such as the center of the village or near the chief’s house.
Mankishi were used for a community’s well-being, assuring fertility, protecting against illnesses, and generally keeping malevolent forces at bay.
(Source: MET)
(Source: MET)
