2014.4.1.McD Four horn community power figure (nkisi)

Minkisi are said to be more important to the Songye peoples than are ancestor figures, which serve as vessels for the spirits of their ancestors. Songye minkisi are made in a variety of sizes according to their use, either personal or communal, and are figurative and non-figurative. This figure's large size indicates that it was owned by a community. During times of imminent danger, it would have been carried about in public by guardians who manipulated it with rods or poles fitted in the holes under its arms. Empowered by the spiritually charged materials within and applied to it, this nkisi intimidated malevolent forces and achieved positive outcomes for the community. Its size, horns, and belly project an image of power, strength, and fecundity.

Carved in the form of a standing male, this nkisi displays the regalia of Songye chiefs: a necklace of imported glass beads and a civet hide draped over his skirt. His head is intentionally oversized and further expanded by projecting animal horns to signify the size of communication with spirits. Copper strips applied to the figure's face refer to lightning, which can counteract malevolence. This figure's protruding belly—as well as the animal horns—are packed with consecrated substances to effect a magical intervention. This nkisi's name and specific function have been lost.

1970s or before: Ralph Nash, London

Around 1980: Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired from above

1981: Allan Stone, New York, acquired from above

2014: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased at Sotheby's Auction, November 15, 2013; Lot 114 [1]

The main source for this provenance is the Acquisition Proposal in the Collections Records object file (2014.4.1.McD). Exceptions and supporting documentation are noted.

[1] See the Sotheby's invoice dated November 15, 2013 in the Collections Records object file.

[2] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized are galleries or museums. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the Fund.

Apply to objects where number equals 2014.4.1.McD