nkisi
1
9.9
- noun
- Literature
:
nkisi
- Central Africa is well-represented with wonderful Pende cups, Kuba and Songye masks, several nkisi, and a range of stools and headrests.
- nkisi figure
- nkisi powers
- nkisi ritual
Examples
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As a ritual object, the nkisi mpungu can take different forms.
Academic text (2004) -
A phemba child is a magically conceived nkisi child, a fragile emissary of the spirit world.
Academic text (2003) -
A person can place his belongings under the protection of an nkisi.
Academic text (2004) -
When another individual touches or takes away such an object unlawfully, the nkisi will attack the thief or a member of his family.
Academic text (2004) -
Consulting a diviner, or nganga ngombo, will disclose the identity of the nkisi responsible for the disease.
Academic text (2004) -
Bedia compared it to the carved-out stomach of a Kongo nkisi n'kondi figure in which special medicines are stored.
Academic text (2001) -
Still other impersonal forces can be grouped under the name of minkisi (sg. nkisi).
Academic text (2004) -
In Central African cultures, an nkisi is used to invoke healing powers during rituals.
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Many people believe that an nkisi can protect them from harm and misfortune.
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When a healer interacts with an nkisi, they believe the spirit residing within it can provide guidance.
Synonyms
A spirit in Myanmar religion that people believe changes their lives and nature
How Powerful
Surface Forms
Etymology
Nkisi comes from the Kongo language of Central Africa, where it meant 'spirit' or 'power'. So an nkisi is a carved object believed to hold that spirit and to bring healing or protection.