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

Powerfull double headed Nkisi Kozo from the Bakongo tribe of DR Congo. The Nkisi Kozo plays an important role in the Bakongo world of experience: this 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 specimen is in a good condition with traces of wear and tear. Forged nails and eyes made of glass(mirroring to scare away evil spirits). Provenance: former private German collection.

Object	Nkisi Kozo
Ethnic group:	Bakongo
Country:	DR Congo
Material:	Wood, Nail, Glass
Estimated period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	8x25x8 cm
Weight:	300 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear