Male power figure "nkisi"

wood, dark brown and reddish brown patina, slightly sticky, bearded face with animal horn in the parting (symbolizes power, fertility and fecundity), small cavity in the navel for insertion of magical substances, slightly dam. (nose), cracks (above all backside), base;
parts with somewhat lighter patina indicate that the figure originally was wearing a loincloth and a tube filled with magical ingredients underneath the armpits.
Such small "mankisi" were owned by an individual or at the most a family and served to meet personal expectations and wishes (fertility, good harvest, success in hunting, protection against witchcraft or lightning). In order to receive support the figures were charged with magical ingredients "bijmba", which were combined by the ritualist "nganga" according to the relevant needs. The charm would be inserted into cavities in the figures head or abdomen or wrapped around the figure in small bundles. Once the figure was no longer deemed efficacious, it would be disposed of. Often the charm would be removed and destroyed by a ritualist, leaving only the carved figure, which now had no value to the Songe at all, as it had no longer had any functional purpose.