Nail Figure (nkisi n'kondi)

Late 19th-early 20th century; East Congo/Zaire, Hemba; Wood; height 76 cm (30 in.); Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andre Nasser; 1986.54

The Hemba of Zaire created a type of sculpture (called singiti) which were made to honor important departed ancestors. These figures are idealized portraits of specific individuals and were housed in special shrines where they were worshiped and fed offerings so that the living could tap the strong supernatural powers of the dead. The style is very distinctive, the heads having an almost egglike shape with curved eyebrows and aquiline features giving the figures an aloof expression.