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WOOD, METAL, GLASS, SNAKE SKIN, SHELLS AND FIBER This nail fetish, of Vili or Yombe origin, belongs to the "nkisi nkondi" category. Its powers are linked to magic, politics and religion. The eyes are made of small shells glued with a natural resin. It has two magical charges: one on the stomach, enclosed by a mirror and the other on the top of the head, covered by snake skin. Its right hand, which originally held a spear, indicates its aggressive character. It is partially covered by an encrusted patina, due to various substances used during ceremonies. There is a description, from 1887(*), of a meeting between the "nganga"(sorcere), his nail fetish and a client. "After having received his fee, the "nganga" asked two men to bring the fetish that they carried in a hammock. The fetish was carefully placed on its feet, and the client, started to tell the story of his unhappiness. He was describing the evil that he had suffered and evoked the vengeance that he wished the fetish to inflict upon the guilty party. The "nganga" received the nail from the client and turned it in his hair. It was done in a such manner that a quantity of hair was pulled out . The "nganga" kissed the nail, addressing the fetish and repeating the wish or the request. Then he planted the nail straight in the chest of the fetish". This fetish was collected in the 60's, in the village of Kankata. This village, situated in the pool region of Congo, is known to be the seat of the "Croix-Coma" sect. The objective of this sect is to get rid of the influences of the fetish upon its followers.
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