NKISI NKONDI  FETISHES FIGURE
 
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APPROX 32cm high x 12cm wide
 
NOTE!! Please handle with respect , this  carving has come from a culture where  a NKISI NKONDI figure is a real thing with great magical power over us mere Humans .
 
NKISI NKONDI figures, often referred to as "NAIL FETISHES ", are endowed with a magical "charge" (bilongo) made from vital substances such as earth from an important person's grave, or bodily elements from fierce animals (i. e. leopards) or abnormal humans such as epilectics.
The figures are insulted and "hurt" with explosions and nails so that they will carry out the wishes of their tormentor. 
Some bear small bundles of textile or other organic material referred to as "dogs". 
These direct the vengeful spirits to the correct source, so a fragment of goat hair tied to the nkisi would ensure that the spirit hunted down the thief who had taken the animal , this FETISH FIGURE has two bundles of Chicken feathers tied to its back  so I would guess that a thief has stolen the original owners Hens .
The Kongo (or Bakongo) people live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and the Congo. 
Their religious beliefs are based around a reverence for the dead who are believed to be able to assist in the determination of future destinies. 
The Nkisi Nkondis can be appealed to for assistance in times of duress.