'Nkisi' fetish figure

Fetish figure, Nkisi, pre 1916
Central Africa, Zaire, BaSonge people
Wood, grass
Donated by Mrs Lamont, 1916
Museum number 1966-165
Nkisi were protective figures used to weaken evil spirits, cure illnesses, decide arguments and solemnize oaths. Usually, a hole in the top of the head would have been filled with magical substances or 'medicines'. This small nkisi would have protected a household or an individual.