These types of sculptures were called fetiches à clous in the colonial literature. The preponderance of nails and pieces of metal driven into the figures visualize and mark the efforts of specialists who have harnessed protective or curative spiritual powers on behalf of clients. The term minkisi refers to spirits and also to the figures that are used to contain them. (Boutiaux-Ndiaye 1997: 141, 144) A specific type of figure called nkondi the hunter” was used to identify individuals who brought harm to the community. Metal nails are driven into the figure to mark the evidence of power. (Wyatt MacGaffey in Philips 1995: 244-247) Museum number painted in white on the left leg (4910) Collected by R. Visser
