Wood, glass, natural resin, cloth, shells

[KaNisa]

WOOD, GLASS, NATURAL RESIN, CLOTH, SHELLS

"Mikisi" are statues of power, that incarnate magical forces influencing daily life. They can be sollicited for divination, therapeutic rites, or for protection. In the Kongo universe, death and illness are never natural. They are always the result of occult practices, voluntary or not. One needs therefore, to identify the source of these practices which disturbs man's life. In this goal, a "nkisi" can intervene, due to his power of divination.

The precise function of a "n'kisi", is determined by the "nganga" who gives it power. He activates the statue by placing magical charges on the stomach, the head, the back, or the sex of the statue. Made of various receptacles, the charges contain the real power of the statue.

"Mikisi" are in contact with supernatural forces. They, therefore, have to be manipulated with precaution. Bad usage can be nefast and can turn against the user. Anyone may possess a "n'kisi", but, only the "nganga" has the power to control or activate it.

This statue is covered by oil and has two magical charges; one on the head and the other in the stomach. The charge in the stomach is made of black seeds, enclosed by a round piece of glass.