Lot A102 - Ritual Power Figure (Nkisi-type)

Ritual Power Figure (Nkisi-type)

Central Africa (possibly Kongo / Yombe region), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Height: 20 cm

Carved wooden head with large almond-shaped eyes and an open mouth showing teeth. The body is enveloped in feathers coated with clay or resinous material, forming a ritual covering that likely contained medicinal or magical substances (bilongo).

Such figures functioned as protective or activating power objects, prepared by ritual specialists and believed to house spiritual forces used for healing, protection, or divination.

Dark brown patina with visible ritual accretions and wear. 20th century.