Large "nkisi Nkondi" Fetish Statue Of The Bakongo People, Adorned With Nails

Large “Nkisi nkondi” fetish statue from the Bakongo people, adorned with nails
Hand-carved hardwood statue, featuring a thick necklace around the neck anda brown, fibrous loincloth
Nails and blades of all shapes adorn the torso
A bundle wrapped in fibers sits atop the head, held in place by large feathers symbolizing spiritual elevation and power
This type of statue is called a “Nkisi nkondi” or “power figure”; it is a spiritual vessel used to enforce oaths, conclude legal pacts, cure illnesses, or ward off malevolent forces
This piece is distinguished by the presence of a main head at the top anda second prominent face attached directly to the center of the torso
This stylistic choice symbolizes heightened clairvoyance, dual vigilance, or the ability to simultaneously gaze upon the physical world and the spirit realm
A ritual specialist would drive a nail, a blade, or a peg into the wooden body whenever a dispute was settled, a contract was signed, or a curse was cast. Driving the metal into the figurine serves to “awaken” the spirit residing within it so that it may bear witness to the agreement or take action against a transgressor
21 cm wide, 17 cm deep, and 56 cm tall
Only slight signs of wear, consistent with its age and use
20th-century tribal art from the Democratic Republic of the Congo