AUTHENTIC NKISI NKODI FETISH FIGURE - CONGO Start Price USD 299.00 Current Price USD 299.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, August 27, 2008 End Time Wednesday, September 03, 2008 Location North York, Ontario See more about 'AUTHENTIC NKISI NKODI FETISH FIGURE - CONGO' Description afrikanshrine Store AUTHENTIC NKISI NKODI FETISH FIGURE - CONGO Description:Nkisi-The best known of Kongo art is the nkisi, a term which is untranslateable, but which refers to carved figures which are used for dealing with problems "ranging from public strife, theft and disease to the hope off seducing women and becoming wealthy." (AFRICA_THE ART OF A CONTINENT-Guggenheim Museum.)An nkisi generally contains relics from someone who has died, or clay from the cemetery. It also contains medicines. When there are nails or blades protruding, it is called an nkondi, which means "the hunter." The nkonde are the most powerful of the nkisi. They were used to identify and hunt down unknown wrongdoers such as thieves, and people who were believed to cause sickness or death by occult means. They were also used to punish people who swore false oaths and villages which broke treaties. To inspire the nkondi to action, it was both invoked and provoked. Invocations, in bloodthirsty language, encouraged it to punish the guilty party. It would also be provoked by having gunpowder exploded in front of it, and having nails hammered into it. They were also used to literally "hammer out agreements"...with clear implications as to what would happen to people who broke the agreements. The nkisi are used by their owner or the nganga (sorcerer/spiritual specialist) to please the different spirits who are supposed to regulate the world. (TRIBAL ARTS OF AFRICA-Bacquart) When a nganga believes that a figure has lost its power, it is discarded and may be sold. Recommended Reading: AFRICA THE ART OF A CONTINENT, Guggenheim Museum. TRIBAL ARTS OF AFRICA, Bacquart.Country: Demo. Republic of CongoTribe: Kongo Materials:  wood, nails, fibre, rope, beads, animal horn, snail shell, mirror and metal  Measurements: H25" - W 7"  Condition:  Old, Excellent, age crack, no repair      Payment:Payment is due within 7 days of auction closing. We accept Paypal, money orders, bank drafts,bank wires and cash (on pick-up only). Winning bidder invoice includes auction total, shipping costs and insurance (if taken). International bidders should note that we are not responsible for any taxes or duties assessed by the Customs agency of destination countries. Where a payment cannot be made within 7 days of auction closing, please email before bidding to request extended payment terms. If you have already placed a bid, please email as soon as you are aware that your payment might be late. If no contact or payment has been received within 7 days of auction closing, an Unpaid Item Strike will be given and the item(s) relisted.Shipping:Please note that large and/or heavy items have higher shipping rates. Posted shipping rates reflect an estimation of actual shipping costs and include packaging materials and handling*. Items can be combined to reduce shipping costs. We do not profit from shipping fees. Actually, many items cost us a few dollars more to ship than the amount paid!*We use 100% professional packaging materials, including custom-made double-wall boxes, industrial 1/2" bubble wrap, 60 lb. packing paper and quality sealing tape. Items will be shipped within 5 business days of receipt of payment. Items shipped to North American destinations will arrive within 5 to 15 business days of shipment, depending on zip/postal code. European bidders can expect delivery in approximately 2-6 weeks. Items shipped to Asia may take up to 12 weeks. Shipping costs may be combined on multiple items.All items are packed professionally, and insurance is available and recommended on most items, to most countries. Though we will assist insured bidders in the rare event of a loss (once in over 6 years of online sales), We are not responsible for items once they have been shipped. Successful Toronto bidders may pick up their items at our Toronto Gallery (by appointment only). Place a Bid!