Lot A101 - Yaka Power Figure (Nkisi)

Nkisi Power Figure

Yaka people, Democratic Republic of the Congo / Angola region

Height: 30 cm

Carved wooden standing figure with stylized mask-like head, prominent nose, and incised facial markings. The torso is wrapped with textile and fiber bindings forming a medicine bundle (bilongo), with feathers and organic materials attached.

Such figures functioned as nkisi (power objects), believed to contain spiritual forces activated by ritual specialists for protection, healing, or social control.

Dark brown patina with ritual wear. 20th century.