Kongo / Yombe Nkisi Power Figure Chewing Munkwisa Root, DRC / Zaire #299

Kongo / Yombe Nkisi Power Figure Chewing Munkwisa Root, DRC / Zaire #299 A carved wooden Figure shown chewing on the root of a Hallucinogenic Plant named Munkwisa. A number of Kongo Power Objects show the Figure chewing on a root. This is an action that appears on numerous depictions of Monarchs and Chiefs, and indicates a form of Impartial Justice aided by the Munkwiza Root (Costus Lucanusianus) that could Detect Witches and Defy Death. It was an Insignia of Rule, indicating continuous Growth and Revival, and was included as an ingredient in the Ruler’s Nkisi of Investiture. When he pointed it at someone, they would swell up and die, so this Nkisi‘s use Munkwiza is likely linked to his powers to harm and the ability to identify Witchcraft. From: THE BRIGHT CONTINENT: AFRICAN ART HISTORY Magic Statuettes are named in Kikongo (Kikongo is one of the Bantu languages spoken by the Kongo people living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Angola and Gabon)