Monumental Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi)

The nkondi is a hunter that pursues wrongdoers. Here the right arm is raised, the fist pierced to receive a spear, and the left hand rests on the hip in the stance of a chief or judge. The tall, smooth cap recalls the mpu. The reddish tone of the face refers to tukula, the inlaid glass eyes give sight into the spirit realm, and the bared teeth show the spirit ready to act.

Nails, blades and rolled metal elements bristle across the shoulders, chest and back, a record of the oaths, disputes and pleas brought before the figure. A small face-like element on the abdomen marks the seat of the bilongo.

A large and commanding figure with a strong vertical thrust. The warm, red-toned face, with sharply drawn brows and glass eyes, sits above the rust-toned iron armour, while the body below is carved in smooth, dark grey-brown wood. The raised arm gives a strong diagonal, balanced by the arm at the hip, and the iron spikes create a radiating silhouette against the calm, disciplined carving of the limbs and cap. The figure stands on bent legs with detailed feet on an integral plinth.