YOMBE

Nkisi - Mirror Fetish

Once highly decorated power figure of high carving quality and with strong signs of use. Dark sacrificial patina on the head, which still has remnants of the magical charge that once crowned this figure. Light crusted patina on the body. Fixing nails of the former magical charges are present on the back and chest. Rectangular hole in the abdomen for another charge in the body. Eyes lined with porcelain, beautiful reliefs on the face and forehead and especially beautiful lips. The hands are gently held in front of the abdomen and the ear holes show significant abrasions. A very expressive old object of deep authenticity.

Nkisi is a Kongo word for an material apparatus and an associated procedure intended to solve problems ranging from ill health to the punishment of criminals to the installation of chiefs and the protecting of trading caravans."
(Wyatt MacGaffey, 2012)

DRC , 19 cm
Acquired 1952 by Lore Kegel in situ
Wood, metal, porcelain, wax/resin
Market debut: 2022