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A figure such as this is an example of a nkisi figure that must be activated by a ritual specialist. This figure once held over four hundred iron inserts, most of which have since eroded away, fallen out or been removed. Residue of sacred substances can be seen on the head. These figures are very powerful and can be used for many purposes, such as establishing guilt or curing illness.

Nkisi are spiritually charged ritual figures. They receive their power from the application of sacred substances by a ritual specialist, or nganga. Nkisi are used for various reasons, for example, protection against thieves or illness, aid in hunting or childbirth, curing of disease, or to cause harm to enemies.