Power figure (Nkisi N'kondi: Mangaaka)

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 that are believed to contain spiritual powers or spirits. This particular one is meant to confront the viewer with its power, helping maintain justice and order in the Yombe region north of the lower Congo river. It would also fend off evil and support the social order at a time of traumatic upheaval caused by the scramble for Africa by European powers.恩基西（Nkisi）指灵体，或是灵体所依附的器物。该术语广泛用于指代中非刚果盆地范围内各类被认为承载超自然灵力或依附灵体的器物。本件恩基西器物旨在以其强大威能直面观者，助力下刚果河以北的永贝（Yombe）地区维系正义与秩序；在欧洲列强瓜分非洲所引发的剧烈社会动荡之际，它亦可抵御邪祟、维护当地社会秩序。