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Power Figure (Nkisi N'Kondi: Mangaaka)
Not on view
The sculptors presented with the challenge of creating a Mangaaka power figure gave visual definition to an unbounded immaterial force that they depicted as a defender of the community in human terms. The massive torso acted as a shield. The extent of the negative space between the arms and the body varies considerably. The upper arms feature depictions of tied raffia cord bands known as nsunga that protect a ritual expert from witchcraft. The figure wears an anklet denoting allegiance to a powerful association known as Lemba that promoted health and trade. At the base, the sides of the blocks are adorned with incised designs, some of which feature the flower or cross motif that is a Lemba cosmogram.
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