Nkondi
Male Figure (Nkondi), Kongo, 18th-19th century. Wood, iron, cloth, mirror, leopard tooth, fiber, porcelain. Object. 45.72 x 20.32 x 8.89 cm (18 x 8 x 3 1/2 in.) Yale University Art Gallery, Image and original data provided by Yale University
Nkondi are made and used by the Kongo peoples. They are also referred to as nail fetishes. They are used as protective figures used by the peoples to weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, and decide arguments. The way the figures work is the diviner would activate the statue, using magical substances. They are powerful because of the people that believed in them. They served many purposes including hunting thieves and fighting illnesses. They can vary in many different sizes and their powers varied according to the size that they were. The spiritual power helps the Kongo people believe in the fact that they can control the outcomes of their lives and prevent harmful happenings to their peoples.[1]
[1] Monica Visona, 359-361.