Power Figure with Feather Crest (Nkisi Nkondi)

The figure stands as a guardian. The pale glass eyes allow the spirit to identify wrongdoers, and the red band across the forehead, the edge of a headwrap or cap, refers to tukula. The earthen mass on the head, crowned with large feathers, is a head charge holding medicinal substances, a feature of some of the finest Yombe and Vili figures; the feathers may suggest lightness and speed.

The small carved head on a bundle at the shoulder extends the ritual programme, and the dense collar of nails records oaths, agreements and requests.

A strong vertical sweep: the tall plume of feathers rises above the compact, earth-coloured head charge and the polished, near-black face, and the radiating collar of iron leads down to the feet and plinth. The face is finely carved, with a firm brow, straight nose, calm closed mouth, pale eyes and touches of red. The shoulder bundle and small head add complexity, and the carved toes and the round plinth, with its geometric relief panel at the front, give a firm base.