Songye Leather Nkisi Figure

One horn, straight up, and a neck of stacked rings to hold it there.

This Nkisi figure is Songye, from Tetela in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood, leather and metal. Among the Songye, nkisi figures are generally understood as containers for protective power, with their additions as important as the carving itself. The dark head is long and smooth, studded with small metal tacks, with a raised nose and an open mouth. Below the arms, cord and ragged leather skirts fall over the lower body, and a small brass bell hangs at the front. It reaches 45 inches high.

Everything it wears appears to have been added with intent.