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12 UMMA Objects
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This anthropomorphic <em>nkisi</em>, or power figure, stands upright and features a rather large, forward-tilting head with a prominent, parted mouth, high cheekbones with shallow cheeks, and chipped glass-encrusted lower eyes. A brass tack pierces the figure’s forehead, directly above its nose.  The figure possesses a rectangular torso and robust appendages, although the lower arms and feet are missing. The figure likely held a medicine pack upon its abdomen, evidenced by the four holes bored into its torso, and another one upon its cranium. Around the figure’s neck is a collar, possibly of leather, another place in which medicines are carried.
Vili (Kongo) (Vili)
Power Figure
1845 – 1855
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.179
This standing female <em>nkisi mihasi</em>, or “benevolent” power figure, exhibits many of the typical traits associated with the Luba of the Upemba Basin, and more specifically, with the Kisale center of production. These features include a disproportionately elongated torso, terraced coiffure, diamond-shaped scarification patterns covering the abdomen and back, and, a crescent moon symbol on the pubis. In addition, this figure possesses a round head with almond-shaped eyes, an open mouth, flat and level shoulders, protruding breasts and bellybutton, and horizontal lines across its upper thighs. Multiple strands of white, dark blue, and light blue beads adorn the figure’s neck, upper chest, wrist, hips, and ankle. A cotton loincloth has been wrapped around the figure’s hips.
Luba (Luba (culture or style))
Power Figure
1885 – 1895
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.212
This anthropomorphic <em>nkisi</em>, or power figure, stands upright with its head turned 90 degrees to the side. Like many <em>minkisi</em>, this one features a wide range of materials. A long metal chain hangs around its neck and a fiber packet containing medicinal substances is tied across its forehead with its loose ends dangling far below. More fiber is wrapped around its lower torso. The face features a slightly parted mouth and large eyes with attentive, black pupils. Protruding from the figure is a large, prominent belly, upon which is affixed a small horn.  
Vili (Kongo) (Vili)
Power Figure
1870 – 1880
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.177
This standing female <em>nkisi mihasi</em>, or “benevolent” power figure, has been carved in light wood and exhibits many of the typical traits associated with the Luba Shankadi style, and more specifically, with the Mwanza center of production. These features include its disproportionately large, ovoid face, half open coffeebean-like eyes, wide mouth with full lips, triangular nose, high, convex forehead, cascading coiffure, protruding umbilicus, and, diamond-shaped tattoos carved in relief on the belly and in horizontal lines on the lower back and upper thighs. The figure stands with slightly flexed knees and with its arms bent at the elbows such that its palms rest upon the breasts, a pose commonly seen throughout Luba figural depictions of women.
Luba (Luba (culture or style))
Power Figure
1875 – 1885
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.215
A sculpture of a wooden figure that has been tightly wrapped in layers of cloth and animal skin, concealing the neck, arms and torso of the figure, and secured in place by a plaited fiber.  Animal skin binds the legs which stand apart and are slightly flexed at the knees.  Around the torso, a cracked-open seed pod is held in place by a piece of wood affixed to the front of the body. The oval shaped head features pierced pupils and a simple coiffure.  
Zombo (Zombo)
Power figure
1900 – 1925
Anonymous Gift
1985/1.186
This &nbsp;figure stands in a dynamic pose with knees slightly flexed. This androgynous figure sports a European-style hat, a crescent-shaped beard, and a realistically carved penis. The figure has gracefully curved shoulders and powerful legs. The&nbsp;feet and the arms, originally bent at ninety degrees, have been damaged. Most Bwende figures bear forms of scarification; this figure is no exception. Ornate scarifications are carved in relief upon its abdomen and torso while lined scarifications appear across the chest and forehead and beneath the eyes, which are inlaid with white shell. Most strikingly, however, are the two large metal rods that forcefully pierce the figure&#39;s abdomen.
Bwende (Bwende)
Power Figure
1885 – 1895
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.178
This small figure is that of a dog who has short legs, a thick, curled tail, small ears, and an elongated muzzle. Its mouth is open with pointed teeth bared and tongue slightly hanging. Its eyes include small mirrors and feature the white mineral <em>kaolin</em>. On the dog’s back is a large, mirror-topped medicine pack which has been sealed with resin.  There are two recesses on top of both hind legs which also likely held packets of medicine.  Near the top of the two front legs are hollow projections, which have broken off.
Vili (Kongo) (Vili)
Power Figure
1845 – 1855
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.182
Wood-carved, standing figure with knees slightly flexed, prominent gentalia, naturalistic face, pointed beard and eyes inset with a white material, probably small ceramic fragments. The feet are missing. It wears a metal ring around its neck, and a string with metal fragments, glass beads and a small metal bell is attached across its chest, from arm to arm. A vertical crack on the front right side of the figure is filled with a gauzy material.
Beembe (Kongo)
Power figure
1865 – 1875
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.189
Wood-carved, standing male figure 40 inches in height. Its shoulders and torso are impaled with iron blades, nails and fragments. The torso is long, arms at side are bent at elbow and hands rest on lower abdomen. The right wrist wears a bracelet with attachments. The legs are truncated, with twisted metal anklet on right foot. The face is naturalistic, the mouth slightly open, the nose long and narrow with slightly flared nostrils. Eyes are almond shaped, may have had inlay that is now gone. The top of the head shows a tiered, "layer cake like" coiffure. The figure has a long and deep crack down the entire length of its left side, from top of the head to the left ankle.
Vili (Kongo) (Vili)
Power Figure
1845 – 1855
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.192
This figure sits serenely in a cross-legged position with one hand raised to the chin and the other resting upon on a knee. The figure's prominent rounded cheekbones, eyes embedded with pieces of mirror, large ears, and broad shoulders are typical traits seen in Vili carved figures. The figure is decorated with tukula powder and kaolin and has a worn, reddish-brown patina. The cavity at the back of the head and another in the abdomen indicate that this figure once bore potent medicinal substances and operated as an <em>nkisi</em>, an object of power.
Vili (Kongo) (Vili)
Power Figure
1795 – 1805
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.180
Carved wooden figure of a human. The umbilicus protrudes and is concave, which would have held magical/medicinal substances. The figure is posed with crossed legs and one hand supporting the head. The face is detailed, with glass eyes. A metal ring was placed around the neck of the figure. The top of the head is empty, but possibly contained magical substances as well. 
Vili (Kongo) (Vili)
Power Figure
1845 – 1855
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.183
This zoomorphic Luba <em>nkisi mihake</em>, or “malevolent” power object, depicts a dog of a fierce and formidable character. Sculpted out of wood, the dog has been carefully covered in animal fur, creating a graphic mimetic effect. The dog’s tail stands nearly upright, signaling a commanding and attentive posture. Most striking, however, are the antelope horns, stuffed with medicinal substances, as well as the metal blades that have been affixed throughout the dog’s trunk and underbelly.
Luba (Luba (culture or style))
Power Figure
1925 – 1935
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.214
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