Africa: Module 6

Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi) 19th century, Kongo Peoples, Yombe group

Central African power figures are among the omnipresent genres found again and again in identification with African art. They were thought to house mystical spirits, hold the power to punish criminals, and brought people together because they were made as collaborative creations. 

But before we begin, a Nkisi translated loosely means spirit. It is also represented as a receptacle for sacred substances that are then activated by mystical forces and "Minkisi" is plural for Nkisi. Visually, they can look as simple as pottery or even basins consisting of medicinal herbs and other materials that can aid in curing physical or social illnesses. A Nkisi can also be represented with shells, small bundles and carved wooden figures. Minkisi symbolize spiritual forces which can have both positive and negative effects on the community, and they also have the ability to contain or release these spiritual forces. A fascinating example of a Nkisi can be found in the picture above. It is an image of the Power Figure, "Nkisi Nkondi". A power figure acts as a magical charm that is carved in the likeness of a human being because it is meant to highlight its purpose in handling human affairs. They are carved under engagement of a spiritual specialist who activates them through charts, prayers and preparation of sacred substances. Minkisi were seen as an image an oath would be taken under, which can then be used to resolve verbal disputes or lawsuits as well as a hunter or guardian if any sort of evil or sorcery had been committed.

In some ways, the Nkisi Nkondi is similar to the modern day voodoo doll. Voodoo dolls are made to resemble a person in order to cast spells on them or to hurt them through harming the doll. In comparison, specifically in the power figure, Nkisi Nkondi, the spirit is activated by hammering a nail into it. For instance, at the request of a victim of theft, a nail would be driven into the figure and the Nkisi Nkondi would then supposedly punish the thief. The wooden figure could also be used as a deterrent if important agreements were sealed in front of it, punishing all future violators of the said agreement. 

Standing at nearly four feet tall, this Nkisi Nkondi's posture is shown leaning forward with the hands placed on the hips, assuming an aggressive attitude. There are traces of a missing beard surviving in the form of nails, a sign of seniority and the remnant of hole in the abdominal cavity would have been for medicinal matter. Various metals are submerged in the figure's torso confirming its central role in the community as a witness and enforcer of affairs. These metals record vows seals, treaties signed, and efforts to destroy evil. All in all, this work of wood inspired reflection on the consequences of disobeying already established codes. 

Sources

Dr. Shawnya L. Harris and Dr. Peri Klemm, Dr. Shawnya L. Harris, and Dr. Peri Klemm. “Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi), Kongo Peoples.” Smarthistory. Accessed March 7, 2021. https://smarthistory.org/nkisi-nkondi-kongo-people/. 

metmuseum.org. Accessed March 7, 2021. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/320053. 

“Power Figure (Kongo Peoples) (Article).” Khan Academy. Khan Academy. Accessed March 7, 2021. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/africa-apah/central-africa-apah/a/nkisi-nkondi. 

“Power Figure (Nkisi N'kondi).” Power Figure (Nkisi N'kondi) | Yale University Art Gallery. Accessed March 7, 2021. https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/84444.