 Fetish 37 28" high $1500 |
 Fetish 34 23.5" high $800 |
 Fetish 40 29" high $1500 |
Fetish 30 27" high $800 |
Fetish 37 28" high $1500 |
Fetish 34 23.5" high $800 |
Fetish 40 29" high $1500 |
Fetish 30 27" high $800 |
 Fetish 11 12" high $200 |
Fetish 56 15.5" high $450 |
Fetish 54 23" high $450 |
 Fetish 48 23.5" high $600 |
 Fetish 50 25.5" high $400 |
Fetish 58 14" high $350 |
Fetish 57 10.5" high $160 |
 Fetish 55 11" high $150 |
Head 1 9.5" high $800 |
Fetishes were protective figures used by individuals, families, or whole communities to destroy or weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, solemnize contracts or oath-taking, and decide arguments. A diviner or holy person would activate the statue, using magical substances. Fetishes gained power and were effective because people believed in them.
Small Nkondi figures were family owned and were used to protect the home, larger ones would protect an entire village. Covered with bags of magical herbs and studded with blades and nails, which, when driven in, activated its spiritual power. The mirror on the abdomen covers a filled cavity and reflected back evil spirits.
Old Bakongo fetishes are very rare. Despite their appearance, these fetish figures show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.
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