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| Figure 1: Artistic representation of Minkisi. Owned by author. Photo is author's own. |
What does the above image (Figure 1) mean to you? What sort of emotional response does it
elicit? What were your initial thoughts?
If this image disgusts or offends you are not alone, but this image is an
artistic representation of a nkisi (plural, minkisi), which is a power figure
that holds a specific religious significance among the BaKongo (or Kongo)
people of Western Africa. The nkisi also
have another name, fetish, which is the term given to them by Portuguese
sailors misunderstood the purpose of the nkisi.
This blog post will explore the true meaning of the nkisi by exploring the
history of their discovery and the misrepresentations of them in Western
cultures in the past and today, followed by a thorough discussion of what the minkisi
truly are and represent.
In the 16th and 17th centure
Portuguese sailors came upon the African continent and came in contact with the
BaKongo (Kongo) people. The sailors saw the
minkisi and interpreted them to represent primitive objects that represented
magic and supernatural belief systems, which was based on the sailors’ own
cultural values and beliefs. These
sailors were the first to identify the minkisi as fetishes, but this
misunderstanding was perpetuated by later European missionaries who sought to
destroy African cultures and beliefs out of ethnocentric motivations. The idea of the minkisi representing
primitive and magical objects continued as it supported Western notions of
superiority over other cultures that were radically different, and the term
continues today as a means of identifying and explaining what these objects
are. The term fetish, however, is a very
derogatory one as it represents primitive, infantile, and ignorance, none of
which actually represent what the minkisi embody.
The minkisi are manmade objects that were created cooperatively
by a sculptor and a nganga, a ritual specialist,
who would imbue the physical object with a nkisi spirit. They are commissioned to be created by either
an individual or by the group in order to meet a social or physical need. Minkisi, which are now appropriately referred
to as power figures, fertility figures, or dance staffs, were used to cure
illnesses and disease, solidifying social and political alliances, and/or
predispose an individual or entity to harm or assistance. Each nkisi was fashioned individually for a
specific purpose, although there are common elements among all of them. The minkisi were often created out of
bundles, shells, or wood (the latter of which appear to have been most
popular), but there were cultural and temporal variations. They all featured a hallowed out portion that
was meant to house the nkisi spirit, as well as variations of form and style on
the outside, representing its specific purpose.
After its creation the nkisi, the commissioner(s), and the
nganga would cooperatively participate in a ritual to initiate the intended
purpose of the nkisi. As mentioned
above, the purpose of each nkisi was specific to the need that fostered its
creation, and therefore each ritual must have differed based on the specific
needs of the commissioner(s). Scholars
do not know as much about these rituals as they were not accurately described
by Europeans who witnessed them due to the ethnocentric interpretations of
BaKongo (Kongo) and their religion. What
we do understand is that their religion was just as complex and intricate as
many modern religions, and that the minkisi represented an integral part of not
only their religion but also their social relations. The minkisi were sometimes used in political
negotiations to solidify alliances, as well as in social ceremonies to mediate
disputes.
Today, scholars recognize the minkisi as not just ritual
objects but also great works of art given the complexity and creativity in
their creation. Art scholars prefer to
study the minkisi to better understand their form and function, whereas as
anthropologists continue to seek to comprehend their ritual and cultural
significance. Unfortunately, a lack of
understanding of what the minkisi truly represent lends itself to the continued
misinterpretation of these power figures and the cultures they represent. I hope that now when you look at the above
image (Figure 1) that your initial feelings have changed and that you take a culturally relativistic approach.
References Cited
de Guzman, G. N.D. “Fetish/Power/Art:
Changing Perspectives on African Art”. Web.
Harris, S. No
Date. “Nkisi Nkondi, Kongo People”. Khan
Academy.
Hobbs, V. 1999. “The Function of a ‘Fetish’ Figure.” Conservation Journal.
MacGaffey, W.
1994. “African Objects and the
Idea of Fetish.” Anthropology and Aesthetics.
25: 123-131.
No Author. 1979. "Power Figure (Nkisi) [Kongo
peoples; Democratic Republic of Congo]" In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art
History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1979.206.127. (October 2006)
No Author. No
Date. “Nassau and Kingsley on the
African Fetish.” Website.
Additional Resources
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/African/Powerhttp://www.artsconnected.org/artsnetmn/whatsart/kongo.html
33 comments:
When first looking at the minkisi the first thing I thought of was witch craft or voodoo dolls. Many movies I have seen use figures such as the minkisi doll to represent witch craft. Its interesting how much even the sailors associated this doll to represent magic. Something as distinct as minkisi will bring people to judge before understanding the meaning behind these minkisi. I find it interesting how each minkisi can be used for various things such as curing illness. I have learned that it is important to not pass judgment onto things before you know the meaning of them. Knowing the meaning of an abject can change your whole perspective of them.
Leslie Milton
Anthropology 101
Course 3001
At first look all the pins made me feel a bit sick inside, for some reason lots of stuff sticking out of something always makes me feel that way. The history is fascinating and the religious and cultural significance could take a lifetime to study! I think it is wonderful that artist and anthropologist both study the minkisi, it seems a worthy pairing to better understand these objects.
My ethnocentric opinion on this Nkisi was "aw they're kind of cute". They look like spooky little troll dolls that a child would experiment voodoo on. I respect this ritual and cultural significants but I personally did not get scared or freaked out from the Nkisi.
Looking at the top photo, I thought those dolls looked kind of scary. After I read this post, I have a better understanding of the Nkisi. I have to admit that the doll is a cool work of art.
What does the image above, mean to me? It honestly has no meaning at all to me at a glance other than it reminds me of a clown. Which somewhat freaked me out because, clowns are terrifying to me so it brought a little fear... When I look at I think of those tikis from Hawaii the one that are supposedly cursed? I totally respect what the dolls are used for, though they may not be appealing to my eyes. I enjoyed reading this blog because, the more I read the less scared I felt. It honestly had me reflect on other things I'm scared of. Which is awesome sauce!
They looked like Voodoo dolls! I was expecting to read something about a form of witch craft. It was interesting to learn that the rituals in which these dolls were used was for a positive outcome. Was this where our modern idea of a voodoo doll was originally misinterpreted from, or is there a separate origin that describes a more sinister doll in another culture?
Voodoo dolls are associated with the Houdou/Voudon religion. I do not specifically know much about Voodoo dolls or either of those religions, but you are welcome to look into it yourself. :)
At first I had a negative response to the picture. The Nkisi were obviously used for a myriad of different things, and they play a very important role in these people's lives. They are important pieces of art and I think they're really neat.
This subject and topic are approached in Art 160 (Art Appreciation), in conjunction with aboriginal art. It's nice to be able to this again! I strongly agree that an approach of analysis through the practice of cultural relativism is essential to aesthetic appreciation. However, analyzing the objects that compose the nkisi beyond their form/function could perhaps offer a bit of understanding to their relic status, ultimately offering a richer historical/cultural understanding.
For instance, gongs found attached to certain nkisi are believed to call the spirit attached to it since it sounds in the land of the dead. I'm sure there are a bevy of other examples, but that was the one that stuck with me the most.
My initial response to the photo of the nkisi was thinking of it as some type of voodoo doll. However, reading the post enlightened me to the true(est) meaning of the doll. It's incredible to see the large amount of power held by such a small object in earlier times.
When I first saw the Nkisi, I was curious to know more about it. I have always been fascinated with other cultures. I was surprised to learn all of the different purposes for the Nsiki as well as the different forms the Nsiki comes in.
Samantha Bond
Anth 101 Sec 3002
At first glance, it's easy to see how so many people would interpret the referenced image as one of black magic or voodooism--the American culture has taught us to correlate small figures or dolls embellished with piercing objects as such! However, when I objectively observe this representation of nkisi, I'm drawn to the feeling of bravery, like a warrior who's sacrificing himself on the battlefield. The wielded spear embodies the ideology of protection, just as we would view a cowboy toting a revolver on his hip. Subjectivity can be one's greatest enemy when attempting to understand the world's many cultures, and this is a perfect example of how easily our initial reactions to unfamiliar beliefs and practices can be swayed.
Neva Rodrigues
ANTH 101 Section 3001
At first sight most people seeing the picture will automatically associate it with voodoo dolls or witch craft because TV and Movies will tell or picture you that what its for, so the person will have that concept regardless of other people believes. An open mind will allows us to better understand cultural relativism and to know there is more out there than what we believe in and sometimes change our views in life and give us an opportunity to try new things that we might like.
I have to say that at first before reading what it actually meant, I thought it was weird, but I can see how maybe someone else might view the Virgin Mary in an ethnocentric way as I did towards their work of art.
Heidi Herrera
Anthro 101 Section 3001
I have to agree with Juber's comment about connecting the Nkisi with a voodoo doll. At first glance, I was ignorant and had a ethnocentric idea of the statue. After reading more into this symbol of Western African culture I became intrigued and interested in the background information the more I read on and its true meaning. Although it is a super unique and the reason for this work of art (or symbol) is fascinating, I still get an uncertain feeling about the Nkisi.
Lana Merkley
Anther 101 Section 3001
The Nkisi displayed in the pictures is interesting. I think that there is a lot of creative effort that went into making it. In learning that these are a spiritual object that carry a specific blessing for the owner brought about a huge sense of respect. Having been around the world and being exposed to a variety of cultures that are different than my own has helped me to be more accepting of other cultures. I understand that other cultures look at our culture as being very strange and odd. This understanding is why I don’t get offended by other cultures or put off by their beliefs. We are really one people, one set of genes all separated by beliefs.
Okay, first that image kind of really creeped me out, it looked really creepy. It is very interesting, but looking at the pic you wouldn't even noticed that it carries a blessing.
Aaliyah Caldwell
So were the Sailors right about it being supernatural? You make sound like they were wrong but they put a nkisi spirit in it and that sounds supernatural to me. . Thanks for the clarification in advance.
It is only as supernatural as you would believe that the Statue of Mary is supernatural or the communion wine is supernatural as it is Jesus's blood. I do not say these things to offend, but to point out the subtle differences we use in language. When something is different it is often considered supernatural, but if it is our own then it is religious. I do not know if and what religious doctrine you may subscribe to, so if you feel that all religions are supernatural then yes, the Nkisi would be supernatural. :)
From originally looking at the above image and reading the meaning behind it I was thrown off but after reading through the post and finding a different meaning behind it i began to understand it to a deeper meaning and how someone could believe in such.
At first glance at the above image my mind immediately associated with witchcraft and voodoo. But after reading the article it started to make sense and I understood why its significant to them.
The fact that the Europeans could have destroyed or took over a culture due to lack of understanding of what the minkisi truly represented is scary. I could definitely learn more about the supernatural beliefs of minkisi though.
Art I believe can relate alot into the culture of a person or an item and looking further into detail about the Nkisi its neat to learn the importance of it in this article.
They look like spooky little troll dolls that a child would experiment voodoo on. I respect this ritual and cultural significates.
These dolls do have a strange look, but knowing that they had a variety of purposes is interesting. I thought of voodoo dolls as well after looking at the picture and how they can be used to harm someone. The Europeans misjudged the Kongo people only because they were different and didn't bother to learn about a different culture. I have a new perspective on the Nkisi as a form of art and not as anything that's harmful.
The picture of the "Artistic representation of Minkisi" is very disturbing. When I look at the picture, I think of a voodoo doll and that feeling is nowhere near positive.
They look very different like fake dolls but I respect what it stands for and what it means in their culture.
When I saw the image the first thing that came to mind was a voodoo doll. Voodoo dolls are common and have some ties to witchcraft. Knowing they have some meaning and are not meant to just creep people out eases my mind a little bit.
-Apreshana Page
My name is Tonii Saffore. The first thing i thought of when i seen the image at the top of the screen was "voodoo doll". The images of the two dolls are strongly similar. As i was reading the passage i figured it would be about the history of the Voodoo doll, but its actually different and interesting. Although still similar when it comes to what it can do for an individual, it all depends on the needs of the person. This just goes to show how powerful some religions and beliefs really are.
The beginning of this blog caught my attention immediately. I love art, so looking closely at art is something i admire! That particular art was unknown to me. I have never seen anything like that, so i was super anxious to read about it. Based on looking at it, it looks dark and creepy. Learning that is was more of a symbol is absolutely beautiful. It goes to show that you have to educate yourself before assuming something.
Kahla Perry
Just by looking at the picture you wouldn't think that is had a positive purpose to it. This minkisi representation holds alot of respect in their culture. I really admired this blog!
-Jasmine Busby
My pet peeve is when others say they don't like something that they never ever even tried or they don't know exactly what it is. I can see how the term "fetish" can be disrespectful when it comes to discussing Nkisi. People shouldn't use it because it can offend others. I personally was reminded of voodoo when I began reading this post so I prefer to stay clear of the Nkisi, but I would never consider it a fetish.
Mya Bursey
I had never heard of a minkisi before reading this post. It was cool to learn they are objects made by ritual specialists.
Elaine christopher
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