Analysis of the Unique African Sculture, Power Figure by Nkisi N'Kondi: Mangaaka

It is possible to express emotions, feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and power through art. In addition, DeWitte states that “for thousands of years, people have used art to tell stories and create images of their daily lives” (DeWitte, Debra J., Larmann, Ralph M., Shields, M. Kathryn, 2015). This paper reviews the artwork “Power Figure (Nkisi N'Kondi: Mangaaka)”.

This artwork is a wooden sculpture made by the Kongo people (Yombe group) in the 19th century representing the personification of power. According to AP Art History, the Kongo people had strong belief in the presence of two worlds: the real physical world, and the spiritual world. In addition, figures of spiritual importance and protection were very significant to them. For example, this sculpture depicts themes of both community and spirituality related to African culture in the late 19th century. They achieved this objective by using a variety of materials to represent the human scale including form and symmetrical balance.

The artwork “Power Figure” was made by a combination of different materials such as wood, ceramic, plant fiver, textile, iron, resin, textile and pigment. The use of these materials gave the sculpture a rough and rustic texture with a heavy appearance. At the same time, these materials give an illusion of power or something that cannot be touched. Moreover, the piece has dimensions of 46 ½×19 ½×15 ½ and includes the use of a human scale. This is important since the human scale plays an important role in defining the meaning and significance of the artwork.

Additionally, this piece depicts a human form exhibiting height, width, and depth (three-dimensional). In addition, the sculpture has symmetrical balance that creates a sense of order, formality and stability. The position of the body in the sculpture transmits power and suggests the presence of someone nearby. Furthermore, the face expresses a bit of sadness and the open mouth suggests that there is a certain kind of communication between the artwork and the audience. Finally, it is possible to make an iconographic analysis, where beliefs play a significant role in this artwork.

Art has always been a very important form of communication and cultural expression throughout African history. The figures representing mythological power and beliefs in Central Africa are commonly portrayed in African art. In addition, wooden sculptures and architecture are very traditional in Kongo culture, where figurative sculptures have a strong physical presence. The artistic traditions of this area depend on the use of natural materials with symbolic significance such as wood and shells. In addition, African sculptures are typically characterized by using big heads to represent knowledge, identity and the place where the person’s spirit is. More importantly, The Yombe, group from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a strong sculptural tradition. They use power figures as reminders of social obligation and enforcement of proper behavior (DeWitte, Debra J., Larmann, Ralph M., Shields, M. Kathryn, 20415).

In addition, many of the sculptures made by the Yombe represent the nkisi (object that a spirit inhabits). A fascinating example of a nkisi can be found in a power figure called Nkisi N'Kondi, which are wooden figures representing a human or an animal. The artwork chosen for this paper is an example of a Nkisi N’Kondi. It is represented with pins, blades, nails and other sharp objects inserted into its body; where each insertion of these materials into the surface has different meanings. For example, a peg may refer to a matter being ‘settled’, whereas a deeply inserted nail may represent a more serious offense such as murder (Harris, Shawnya). If an oath is broken by one of the parties or evil befalls one of them, the Nkisi N’Kondi will become activated to carry out its mission of destruction or divine protection. The staring eyes and imposing stance ensure that no other forces will interfere with the fulfillment of its ritual function (DeWitte, Debra J., Larmann, Ralph M., Shields, M. Kathryn, 2015).

This piece of art is related to themes about community and spirituality. In addition, the artwork “Power Figure” represents the typical beliefs and customs of an African group that have a direct impact on shaping the community (Yombe). In this case, a Nkisi N’Kondi symbolizes defensive power and was used to protect a community. The words Nkisi N’Kondi mean “hunting spirit” and its job in the community was to be responsible for enforcing laws and treatises such as sealing vows/promises and getting rid of evil (Ingram, Cindy, 2017).

Additionally, important medicines and other items were placed into the stomach of the Nkisi N’Kondi to empower it and to bring in the hunting spirit. In most cases, the hole was covered with a shell or a mirror, and when a promise or treaty was made, community members would drive a nail into the Nkisi N’Kondi to seal the vow. If that promise was broken, the Nkisi N’Kondi would hunt down the wrong-doer and punish him or her for his misconduct. Therefore, the rituals around Nkisi N’Kondi involved the whole community and its beliefs in a link between the spiritual and physical world. “The various metals embedded in the figure's expansive torso attest to its central role as witness and enforcer of affairs critical to its community. They document vows sealed, treaties signed, and efforts to eradicate evil. Ultimately, this work inspired reflection on the consequences of transgressing established codes of social conduct” (Wall text, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019).

In conclusion, the Nkisi N’Kondi sculpture is truly captivating and exciting for its specific features, meaning and power. In addition, the piece depicts an important belief system, an interesting ritual, and a specific tradition of the Kongo people. More importantly, it shows the connection between art and the community’s belief system. It is impressive that an artwork from the 19th century could tell us so many different stories with so much richness in detail.