Power Figure (nkishi)

This figure’s large size indicates its use as an nkishi, or power object, that served a community. Inside the horn atop the head and inside its navel, an nganga, or ritual practitioner, inserted ingredients (bishimba) such as plant, animal, and mineral substances considered medicinal, protective, and healing. Drawing from communications with important ancestral spirits, the expert assembled these materials to help shield a community from harm. This intervention could promote cohesion during a period of social disruption caused by colonialism, regional conflicts, and illness. Communities showed great reverence toward minkishi (pl.). Chiefly adornments including blue beads, copper, and reptile skin decorate this figure. This figure’s feet have been carved so that they never touch the ground, as customary for a Songye chief. Deep holes on either arm allowed specially appointed handlers to carry the figure using large poles, eliminating the danger of touching such a potent figure.