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Key Moments in Life: Adulthood 5 |
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This power figure from the BaKongo of lower Congo (Zaire) was a public figure, whose magical power was activated by driving sharp points, tacks, nails, or blades of iron into its surface. Such objects (nkisi-nkonde) were used for healing and for punishing onešs enemies and for oath-taking. Two people might seal an agreement between them by moistening two nails with saliva and driving them into the figure side by side, at the same time praying to the nkisi to punish whoever broke the agreement. The agreement was made binding by wrapping the nails with cord or even with tiny model slave manacles. The figure stands with one arm raised (the hand once grasped a spear or knife) with the thumb pointing toward the realm of God, Nzambi. |
Kongo people, Congo (Zaire) |
