SKU: 40940880116

Yombe / Kongo Nkisi Figure, Congo #35

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Description

Yombe / Kongo Nkisi Figure, Congo #35Yombe Kongo Nkisi Figure, Congo #35 Materials: Wood, glass Measurements: 5. 51 Inch height Additional Information: The Vili , the Lri, the Sndi, the Woyo, the Bemb, the Bwende, the Yomb, and the Kngo formed the Kngo group, led by the King Ntotela . Their kingdom reached its peak in the 16th Century with the ivory and copper trade and the slave trade. With the same Beliefs and Traditions, they produced Statuary with codified gestures related to their

  • Yombe / Kongo Nkisi Figure, Congo #35
  • Materials: Wood, glass
  • Measurements: 5.51 Inch height
  • Additional Information: The Vili , the Lâri, the Sûndi, the Woyo, the Bembé, the Bwende, the Yombé, and the Kôngo formed the Kôngo group, led by the King Ntotela . Their kingdom reached its peak in the 16th Century with the ivory and copper trade and the slave trade. With the same Beliefs and Traditions, they produced Statuary with codified gestures related to their worldview. The Kakongo are composed of Bakongo Peoples from the left bank of the Zaire River. Sorcerers and Nganga, both Healers, were in charge of Religious Activities and Mediation towards the God called Nzambi through Consecrated Figures. To this end, Individual Protective Figures called Nkisis, to protect against witchcraft and various plagues, are made and loaded by the Nganga with all the necessary ingredients to achieve this purpose.
  • Sacred Medicines and Divine Protection are central to the Belief of the Kongo Peoples (Democratic Republic of Congo). The Kongo believe that the Great God, Ne Kongo, brought the first Sacred Medicine (or Nkisi) down from heaven in an earthenware vessel set upon three stones or termite mounds.
  • A Nkisi (plural: Minkisi) is loosely translated as a "Spirit" yet it is represented as a container of Sacred Substances which are activated by Supernatural Forces that can be summoned into the Physical World. Visually, these Minkisi can be as simple as pottery or vessels containing medicinal herbs and other elements determined to be beneficial in curing physical illness or alleviating social ills. In other instances, Minkisi can be represented as small bundles, shells, and carved wooden figures. Minkisi represent the ability to both ‘contain’ and ‘release’ Spiritual Forces which can have both positive and negative consequences on the community.
  • Nkisi Nkondi
    A fascinating example of a Nkisi can be found in a Power Figure called Nkisi Nkondi (a Power Figure is a Magical Charm seemingly carved in the likeness of human being, meant to highlight its function in human affairs.). A Nkisi Nkondi can act as an Oath Taking Image which is used to resolve Verbal Disputes or Lawsuits (Mambu) as well as an Avenger (the term Nkondi means ‘Hunter’) or Guardian if Sorcery or any form of Evil has been committed. These Minkisi are wooden figures representing a human or animal such as a dog (Nkisi Kozo) carved under the Divine Authority and in consultation with an Nganga or Spiritual Specialist who activates these figures through chants, prayers and the preparation of sacred substances which are aimed at ‘curing’ physical, social or spiritual ailments.
  • Insertions: Nkisi Nkondi Figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation of pegs, blades, nails or other sharp objects inserted into its surface. Medicinal Combinations called Bilongo are sometimes stored in the head of the figure but frequently in the belly of the figure which is shielded by a piece of glass, mirror or other reflective surface. The glass represents the ‘Other World’ inhabited by the Spirits of the Dead who can peer through and see potential enemies. Elements with a variety of purposes are contained within the Bilongo. Seeds may be inserted to tell a spirit to replicate itself; Mpemba or white soil deposits found near Cemeteries represent and enlist support from the Spiritual Realm. Claws may incite the Spirits to grasp something while stones may activate the Spirits to pelt enemies or protect one from being pelted.
  • The insertions are driven into the figure by the Nganga and represent the Mambu and the type or degree of severity of an issue can be suggested through the material itself. A peg may refer to a matter being ‘settled’ whereas a nail, deeply inserted may represent a more serious offense such as murder. Prior to insertion, opposing parties or clients, often lick the blades or nails, to seal the function or purpose of the Nkisi through their saliva. If an Oath is broken by one of the parties or evil befalls one of them, the Nkisi Nkondi will become activated to carry out its Mission of Destruction or Divine Protection.
  • Europeans may have encountered these objects during expeditions to the Congo as early as the 15th Century. However, several of these “fetish” objects, as they were often termed, were confiscated by missionaries in the late 19th Century and were destroyed as evidence of sorcery or heathenism. Nevertheless, several were collected as objects of fascination and even as an object of study of Kongo Culture. Kongo Traditions such as those of the Nkisi Nkondi have survived over the centuries and migrated to the Americas and the Caribbean via Afro-Atlantic Religious Practices such as Vodun, Palo Monte, and Macumba. Nonetheless, Minkisi have left an indelible imprint as visually provocative Figures of Spiritual Importance and Protection.
    Essay by Dr. Shawnya Harris
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    SKU: 40940880116

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    Orande Daring
    Houston, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Nice Shoes
    Size: 10.5, Color: British Tan/Ivry
    Nice pair of shoes for my feet. Fits comfortably and nice cushion when walking. I would buy another pair.
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    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
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    MR. H.
    Lexington, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Super comfortable!
    Size: 9, Color: Navy Blazer/Ivor
    Some of the most comfortable shoes that I've ever worn/walked in! Super light on my feet. Nice casual looking and comfortable shoe for a reasonable price. I already brought 3 pair.
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    deloris s.
    Pawtucket, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Comfortable Shoes
    Size: 12, Color: Navy Blazer/Ivor
    This is the second time I purchased this style of shoes. They are extremely comfortable. They can be worn on casual and business events.
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    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
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    LindyB
    Houston, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Great dressy sneaker to wear with business casual or jeans
    Size: 11, Color: British Tan/Ivry
    I got these for my husband to wear with jeans or business casual dress pants. They look sharp and professional and dress up jeans if you're going out. He says they fit comfortably and he can walk on them all day without his feet hurting. They are beautiful genuine leather so they don't get stinky. I got my husband's normal size and they fit to size.
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    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2026
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    timothy scalabrelli
    Omaha, US
    ★★★★★ 4
    Comfortable
    Size: 9, Color: Black/Ivory
    Most comfortable and roomy shoes I ever wore. Great for insoles. Looks nice too. The base of the shoe is a bit too thick but it’s fine.
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    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2025

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