Question

questions on Central African Art

3. What do those nails/insertions represent?

Answer 1

In the African art Nkisi Nkondi kind of art is believe to be an oath taking image which can be effectively used for any form verbal disputes or law suites and this can act as guardian when any form of crime is commited. Innthis art forms the insertion are shown in the form of legs, nails etc which as a sharp objected firmly inserted into the surface . The sharp insertion are driven into the figure by nganaga and that is a respresentation of mambu . The peg insertion represent matter being settled. This nail insertion depict the sevierty of issue and the deep penetration or insertion represent more serious issues such as murder.