Power Figure with Beard and Bell (Nkisi Nkondi)

The figure stands in the classic pose of the nkondi: the right arm is raised, the hand formed into a ring with the thumb pointing upwards, and the left hand rests on the hip in the stance of a chief or judge. The close-fitting cap, incised with zigzag and cross-hatched patterns and topped by a small knob, recalls the mpu of chiefs and ritual specialists, and the carved beard marks seniority.

A thick, encrusted collar rings the neck. The nails and blades massed across the chest each record an oath, an agreement or a request. The rectangular box on the belly held the bilongo, and a small metal bell hangs from it: in Kongo ritual, the nganga rang bells to summon the spirits.

A strong, upright figure. The raised arm forms a firm vertical line beside the head, and the face, seen in profile, is carved with a strong nose, full parted lips and a neatly cut beard. The finely incised cap and the rough, encrusted collar contrast with the bristling mass of iron on the torso, at the centre of which the box and its bell form a clear focal point. The figure stands on carved feet on a rough block base.