Dog Figure (Nkisi Kozo)

Kozo, the dog, belongs to the aggressive class of minkisi and was said to help the nkondi track down enemies. Among the Vili and their neighbours, the dog lives in the village but hunts in the forest, and so moves between the world of the living and the land of the dead. Kozo figures often have two heads, able to watch both worlds, but single-headed examples such as this are also known. The inlaid eyes give sight into the spirit realm, and the open mouth may once have held further substances.

The medicine is sealed on the back with resin and a mirror. The cloth ties and knots recall the binding of the spirit, and the cloth itself was an offering to the nkisi. The nails and blades mark individual requests.

The dog stands alert and upright, with pointed ears, bared carved teeth and inlaid eyes. Its smooth, dark body contrasts with the crusted load of cloth, sticks, nails and shell and the red wrapping that it carries.