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Male Figure (Nkisi)
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<em>Nkisi</em> is an object that is believed to host an ancestral spirit. Unusual among these figures, this nkisi figure is missing its <em>nduda,</em> “night guns.” These guns would be filled with gunpowder functioning as defense against witches or misfortune. Unless its guns were lost during the course of its life history, this nkisi may instead be an example of a more general type called <em>mpanzu,</em> whose functions included protection.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, probably Vili-style maker |
|---|---|
| Date | late 1800s-early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cabinda, or Republic of the Congo, probably Vili-style maker |
| Medium | Wood, cloth, resin, organic material, feathers, natural fibers, antelope horn, seashells (including cowrie shells), glass beads, metalized glass, and plant fiber |
| Dimensions | Overall: 42 x 11.8 x 23 cm (16 9/16 x 4 5/8 x 9 1/16 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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