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Because they are aggressive, many nkondi with human figures are carved with their hands raised, sometimes bearing weapons. The earliest representation of an nkisi in this pose can be seen in the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Kongo, designed around 1512 and illustrated between 1528 and 1541, where a broken "idol" is shown with this gesture at the base of the shield. [5]
Nkisi or Nkishi (plural varies: minkisi, mikisi, zinkisi, or nkisi) are spirits or an object that a spirit inhabits. It is frequently applied to a variety of objects used throughout the Congo Basin in Central Africa , especially in the Territory of Cabinda that are believed to contain spiritual powers or spirits.
The Kongo people believed in the Creator God Nzambi Mpungu, his female counterpart Nzambici, and a host of nature spirits that were referred to as simbi, nkisi, nkita and kilundu spirits. [63] In an attempt to convince Kongo people to convert to Catholicism, Portuguese missionaries often stressed that Nzambi was the Christian God.
Nkisi nkondi of the Bakongo.They are a subclass of nkisi, objects believed to be inhabited by spirits, common across the Congo Basin. The beliefs and practices of African people are highly diverse, and include various ethnic religions.
These practices from the Kongo in the Americas were done to ward places from evil spirits, conjure spirits of the dead and ancestral spirits, and for spiritual protection against withcraft. The Nkisi Nkondi is made by an nganga and the spirit of the Nkondi is used to hunt and punish evil witches. [29] [30] [31]
Nzambi is the "sovereign master"; he created the earth, then withdrew from the world. Nzambi Mpungu remains responsible for rainfall and health. [3]Aluvaiá (also Bombo Njila, Pambu Njila, Nzila, Mujilo, Mavambo, Vangira, Njila, Maviletango) is an intermediary between human beings and other Nkisi; he is additionally the protector of the houses.
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A phemba child is a magically conceived nkisi child, a fragile emissary of the spirit world." [5] Kongo societies are matrilineal. [6] The very different styles of maternity figures illustrate regional and even personal variations on the same theme. There are many speculations around what Phembas are supposed to represent.