35\"×11×10 African Large Quality One Face NKISI Nail,Brass Fetish TRIBAL ART For Sale

African Male High Quality Extra-large face   NKISI Nail and Brass Fetish Statue Figure from the BACONGO tribe from D.R. Congo.

This object is a Kongo power figure, specifically identified as a nkisi nkondi or \"nail and brass fetish\" figure, from Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo). These carved wooden figures were created collaboratively by a sculptor and a ritual specialist (nganga) to house powerful spiritual forces.

Description and Purpose

Function: Nkisi nkondi one face figures were used for a variety of community functions, including healing, protection, maintaining law and order, punishing wrongdoers, and sealing vows or treaties.

Activation: The nganga \"activated\" the figure by placing powerful medicinal substances (bilongo) in a cavity, often in the abdomen or head, which was then typically covered with a mirror or other material. The figure in the image has a plate in the abdominal area.

Nails and Blades: The numerous nails, blades, and metal objects embedded in the figure\'s body are key characteristics. Each insertion represents a vow sealed, a dispute resolved, or a force being called upon to act. The accumulation of metal attests to the figure\'s extensive use and importance within its community over time.

One face: The presence of one face (janus form) in this specific figure suggests the ability to observe a wide area or a duality of spirit-world forces, such as the power to both heal and harm, or to look in multiple directions at once.

Appearance: The figure typically displays an aggressive, forward-leaning posture, hands often akimbo, which signifies an attitude of fearlessly challenging the problem at hand. The eyes are often inlaid with glass or ceramic, giving them an intense gaze that suggests a living presence or a connection to the spiritual realm.

Would you like to know more about the specific cultural significance of the different elements of this figure, such as the headdress or the white pigment used on the face?

Height: 35 inches,

Width: 11\"

Depth: 10\"