African Power Figure in a Brooklyn Junk Store
I love this kind of stuff. I have no idea if this is a legit piece of Congolese art or not, but I don’t even care. Stuff like this excites me so, so much. I read a lot about Congolese power figures back in college when I was majoring in art – they seemed so much more visceral and real to me than a lot of contemporary American work. One thing that really stuck with me was this:
Those nails aren’t acts of violence. They’re prayers for strength. It’s a holdover from a time when metal was precious and rare, valued for its strength and durability. So this could be a statue of a warrior, and each nail pounded into his spirit is a prayer that he stays strong, that he doesn’t flinch, and that he can take whatever gets hammered into him.
I like that a LOT. I don’t even know if it’s true in a literal sense, either. And I don’t even want to know. That’s how faith and myth get formed – you hear something that works for you and moves you in this way that you need to be moved. It’s something that confirms your sense of wonder and beauty, usually. And then it doesn’t even matter how it got into your head or why it’s supposed to be there. Your head and your heart don’t care, you make a pearl out of it all the same.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:03 am
Sounds like this particular belief system resonates with you quite well…you should run with it, study their philosophies. It will be fulfilling and instill profound purpose in your life.
February 13th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Did you buy it ? Is it availble ?
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
That is a Sigidi. It is a congo statue for protection, strength and Ase (power, life force, etc.). In palo, some people use it to do negative work but in Ifa (checkout Ifatradition.org & spiritualtools.org), they are used to guard, to protect against death and to reflect any harmful or bad energies sent at you.
You have intuition and a calling and I think you should see who crowns your head!
March 4th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Fear the mighty yellow price tag!
March 4th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
I encountered a power figure once in an East Coast seaside clothing boutique-y type place. Very out of place to encounter such an artifact.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
The sigidi traditionally was thought to house the soul. One captured for evil or one needed to be kept safe until it could be sent on. the nails (sharp end aimed at the soul inside) is used to keep the soul from escaping.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
hi do you have the address or direction to this store? i really want to vist this store. thx.
March 12th, 2010 at 1:58 am
Its nailed and somehow is lost in an inundated time. Hint: Black wall clock *creeply awesome*
p.s – I wan’t that big clock!
October 15th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
We are predominantly santeria/Lukumi, we own a Botanica and know of many Afro-Caribbean Ethnic and Spiritual rituals etc.. I must say that “Sigidi” is new to us. We are seriously considering purchasing one to ward off enimies, gealousy and the like,or our business. We are serious about our faiths’ as well as our endeavors in business.I am anxious to hear all that anyone might know and wish to share on the subject. Especially feeding rituals etc.. We graciously thank all.
Blessings,
Jayar
March 13th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Jayar, and to all those that want to learn about the SIGIDI,, just visit the ifafoundation.org and you will find everything about the tradition of the Sigidi IFA,,it will empower your life with no more fear,you will have health and success, love and Blessings.to you and all your family
Blessings ☼