Nkondi Invocation Figure

“Nkondi Invocation Figure” is one of eight Invocation Figures by Andrew F. Scott. The nkisi nkondi is a figure made by the Kongo people of Africa. A nkisi nkondi can be used as an oath taking image that is brought in to resolve disputes, heal the sick, avenge wrongdoing, or act as a guardian if evil sorcery has been committed. The nkondi is a protective force that will use violence to hunt and punish their offenders. Nkondi figures are recognizable by the many sharp objects inserted into their skin. Traditionally, a blade is driven into the figure to ask for help. Impaling the figure is thought to activate the nkisi and enrage it into performing its duty to protect. Scott’s “Nkondi Invocation Figure” is pierced with a series of nails. Nkondi figures are also known to have reflective surfaces attached to their bellies. The reflection represents the ‘other world’ of the dead. In this culture, the dead live on as spirits who can look through the reflection into the living world and keep an eye on potential enemies. Scott’s figure holds a reflective box near its abdominal region. In addition to representing the “other world,” the reflective material also acts as a storage unit for medical substances.

Andrew F. Scott is a multimedia artist and sculptor whose work falls at the intersection of digital fabrication technologies, traditional fine arts practices, and collective cultural ideals. He finds much of his inspiration from African American art and culture and views his work through the spirit of “Sankofa., “Sankofa” is a word in the Twi language of Ghana that literally translates to "go back and get it." Metaphorically, “Sankofa” expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress. “Through synthesis, manipulation, and abstraction, [Scott] reinterpret[s] these traditional forms and ideas and bring[s] them into a modern context.” Scott’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

Visit “Nkondi Invocation Figure” in front of the King Arts Complex.

Materials

Steel and glass

Dates

Made: 1995