'Nkisi' fetish figure

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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.