Nkisi Kozo – Glass, Nail, Wood – Bakongo – Congo

Powerfull Nkisi Kozo from the Bakongo tribe of DR Congo.
The Nkisi Kozo plays an important role in the Bakongo world of experience: this 4-headed Nkisi statue is the connection between the worlds of the living and the dead. These Nkisi statues are always provided with dog’s heads because dogs are seen as the ultimate witch hunters.
Kozo statues are always richly provided with nails, metal blades, bones and other attributes which were applied by the Nganga (medicine man, fortune teller) to sanction requests or promises from tribe members.
This early specimen is in a good condition with traces of wear and tear.
Old forged nails, metal blades and glass eyes (mirroring to scare away evil spirits). Particularly large piece, total length 70 cm!