Exhibition Guide

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Power Figure (Nkisi)

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Power Figure (Nkisi), early 20th century. Kongo kingdom, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Angola. Wood, mirrored glass, copper alloy, and pitch. Gift of Alan Wurtzburger, BMA 1954.145.65
Power Figure (Nkisi), early 20th century. Kongo kingdom, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Angola. Wood, glass, plant fibers, earth, and cloth. Gift of Alan Wurtzburger, BMA 1954.145.67

Art Object Info

The wide eyes of these sculptures suggest a living presence within. Minkisi (singular nkisi), a name loosely translated as “power figures or objects,” were carved for diviners, who invited powerful spirits to reside inside the sculptures during consultations with clients. The shining mirrors evoke the watery path to the spiritual realm and protect the materials that consecrate the sculptures by reflecting negative energy away from the sculpture.

The nkisi in the center represents an elegant young noblewoman. Her face is turned gracefully toward her left, as if someone has caught her attention. Kongolese nobility were responsible for hearing complaints and punishing criminals. The proverb “The King of Kongo finds guilty his own kinsman and acquits the foreigner” is a high compliment, signaling the importance of righteousness in Kongo society.

The nkisi to the right is also concerned with justice. Clients would have driven a nail into the sculpture to request the spirit’s attention before resolving a dispute—a custom similar to swearing on the Bible before giving testimony in court. Both gestures ask for spiritual witness to the speaker’s sincerity.

 

Medium:
Wood, iron, mirrored glass, earth, encrustation, fiber
Size:
H: 12.4'
W: 7.1'
D: 6.5'
Date:
19th Century
Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1954.145.66

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Art Object Info

The wide eyes of these sculptures suggest a living presence within. Minkisi (singular nkisi), a name loosely translated as “power figures or objects,” were carved for diviners, who invited powerful spirits to reside inside the sculptures during consultations with clients. The shining mirrors evoke the watery path to the spiritual realm and protect the materials that consecrate the sculptures by reflecting negative energy away from the sculpture.

The nkisi in the center represents an elegant young noblewoman. Her face is turned gracefully toward her left, as if someone has caught her attention. Kongolese nobility were responsible for hearing complaints and punishing criminals. The proverb “The King of Kongo finds guilty his own kinsman and acquits the foreigner” is a high compliment, signaling the importance of righteousness in Kongo society.

The nkisi to the right is also concerned with justice. Clients would have driven a nail into the sculpture to request the spirit’s attention before resolving a dispute—a custom similar to swearing on the Bible before giving testimony in court. Both gestures ask for spiritual witness to the speaker’s sincerity.

 

Medium:
Wood, iron, mirrored glass, earth, encrustation, fiber
Size:
L: 6.5'
W: 7.1'
H: 12.4'
Date:
19th Century
Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1954.145.66