What is the purpose of a nkisi nkondi and how does it change over time to become a visual record of a community's judicial system?

What will be an ideal response?


The ideal Answer should include:
1. The nkisi nkondi was believed to mediate disputes by recognizing, hunting down, and punishing whichever party was in the wrong.
2. After the object was carved, the diviner infused the object with power by inserting medical ingredients known as bilongo into the figure's head, suspended in a packet from its neck or waist, inserted into its belly, or placed into the neck ruff.
3. The caretaker would bring out the nkisi nkondi to hear the case, and, if the clients could not reach an agreement, they would drive a nail, blade, or other pointed object into the figure to incite it into action.
4. The more nails the nkisi nkondi had, the more powerful it became, as the nails indicated the number of contracts for which it had successfully served as judge and jury.

Art & Culture

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The statue of Menkaure with a Queen most notably exhibits which of the following traits, typical of portraits of rulers in the Old Kingdom?

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Art & Culture