Community Nkisi (Power Figure) (Primary Title)
Community Nkishi (Former Title)
Unknown (Artist)
1-The Songye create large power figures to harness beneficial powers of great ancestors. Magical ingredients, or bishimba, are packed into cavities—in this case, in the abdomen, hips, shoulders, and where the horn fits into the head. These medicines, which give the statue its potency to interact with the spirits, are inserted by a diviner.
Attachments to the figure define the status of a revered ancestor. The skirt and necklaces indicate chiefly status and the bulging abdomen is sign of well-being and procreation. The iron hoe blade in the forehead denotes metalsmithing, agriculture, and prosperity, while the copper and brass on the face and neck indicate the power to direct lightning against enemies. Finally, the animal horn projecting from the top of the head refers to the wisdom of the elders.
2-This reliquary guardian is positioned at MIDNIGHT in the life-cycle plan of the gallery.
According to the Kongo cosmogram, this stage of life is known as MUSONI and refers to midnight, existence in the other world, and eventual rebirth.
Between MIDNIGHT—the position of this ancestral figure—and NOON—the position of the king’s robe on the other side of the gallery—is an implied spiritual pathway that the Kongo call MUKULA. The axis of time, Mukula represents the corridor through which ancestor-spirits travel to assist the living.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
