Songye Personal Power Figure: Nkisi Abstract When a village had suffered

When a village had suffered a number of deaths

she proceeded to fall asleep

their spirits (appeased by the feast and entertainment they have received

preparing food for the family

Late 19th Century Shark Tooth Dagger From the Republic of Kiribati

Songye Personal Power Figure: Nkisi Abstract When a village had sufferedSongye Power Figure (Nkisi) Democratic Republic of Congo First half of the 20th century The human appearance and visible attributes of chieftaincy of the nkisi are juxtaposed with the more animal characteristics emphasising his non human otherness. A large animal horn, presumably filled with medicinal matter, reinforces the figures wild power. The nkisi rests his hands on his stomach, where traditionally it was believed the most important part of a