1969.S.32 Standing power figure (nkisi)

Once a powerful nkisi (pl. minkisi), this figure has retained only one pack of medicine, which is contained in the necklace. Judging by the discoloration on the torso, this nkisi once held another medicine pack in front. The damaged head probably held medicines covered with resin under a feather headdress like those worn by the religious specialists, or banganga (sing. nganga) who activate minkisi.

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.

n.d.: Clark and Frances Stillman Collection, Dallas, Texas/New York

1969: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, gift of Eugene and Margaret McDermott [1]

[1] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983. 

Apply to objects where number equals 1969.S.32