Kongo Power Figure (Nkisi N'kondi), 19th/20th C, 28"H, "..., a sculptor constructed the figure as an empty receptacle. A second specialist, known as the nganga, then �empowered" the vessel by inserting bilongo (medicines composed of a secret combination of animal, plant, and mineral substances) into key locations to create the power figure, or nkisi. A nkisi with its body packed full of hardware (known as a nkisi nkondi) was employed in ceremonies conducted by the nganga for the benefit of society, maintaining law and order by punishing those who disturbed the life of the community. Each piece of metal served as a permanent, material record of an event as well as a deterrent to future crimes."

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