Nkisi Nkondi 10" Tall

Nkisi nkondi, also known as a power figure, is a type of sculpted figure used in Kongo culture (present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, and Angola) for various purposes, including oath-taking, dispute resolution, healing, and protection against evil. These figures are recognizable by their accumulation of nails, blades, and other sharp objects driven into the wood, as well as the presence of a container (often a mirror box) on the abdomen holding medicinal and magical substances. 

Nkisi nkondi figures are activated through rituals, including chants, prayers, and the insertion of sharp objects, often by a spiritual specialist called an nganga, who prepares the sacred substances. 

Nkisi nkondi are also used to protect against sorcery, evil, and to punish wrongdoers, with the nganga potentially activating the figure to carry out divine punishment or protection.

The nkisi nkondi can be used to heal illnesses and address other social or health issues within the community.