Slide+08

Slide 8
 * [[image:http://www.famsf.org/fam/education/publications/guide-african/part2-27.jpg width="175" height="274" align="bottom" link="http://www.famsf.org/fam/education/publications/guide-african/27.html"]] ||
 * http://www.famsf.org/fam/education/publications/guide-african/part-2-5.html ||

SamiF P2:** The figure is a nail and blade oath-taking figure called Nkisi nkondi. This figure is used in the African society during difficult times, including drought, famine, and arguments. This figure is made by the Kongo people of Coastal Zaire. This figure is used to symbolize agreements that have been made between people who have had an argument. People who have an argument seek the assistance of a ritual expert and once their problem has been solved, a new nail or blade is hammered into the figure. This is similar to our custom of signing contracts or shaking hands to symbolize an agreement. However, if the agreement is broken, the nail or blade is removed from the figure.
 * __How is this figure used in African society?__


 * GraceD P6:** The figure was used during times of conflict. It is called //Nkisi nkondi//.


 * SerenaJ P7:** This figure was called a nkisi nkondi or an oath-taking figure. It was used to settle arguments between people or during rough times. Who ever was arguing would come to a ritual master and he would sort out their problem. When a agreement was reached, a nail or blade was stuck into the figure.


 * GraceK P7:** The figure was used to get through difficult times such as starvation, a drought, or disagreements with people. There was a sharp object such as a blade or a nail and it was placed inside the figure when there was an agreement was made. The sharp object might be removed if the agreement is broken.


 * AnnaJ P1:** This figure is called a nail and blade oath-taking figure or nkisi nkondi. It was made by the Kongo people of Coastal Zaire.This figure was used in hard times such as drought and famine, or it could be used in argument s to solve disputes between people. When an agreement was made a nail was stuck in the figure, if it were broken the nail would be removed. Think of this as signing a contract.


 * __How does the figure's stance symbolize the objects purpose in African society?__**
 * SamiF P2:** The figure stands with both feet apart and hands on hips. This stance symbolizes the object's purpose in African society by showing the aggressive and powerful force of the object. Its stance shows that it is ready to solve any dispute or argument. On the stomach of the figure, there is a mirror. This mirror has been interpreted in many different ways. Some believe that it can scare away or capture evil spirits. Others believe that it is a passageway to the world of the spirits. The figure's open mouth might represent its ability to communicate with the human world.


 * GraceD P6:** It's stance was meant to show aggressive and powerful force. The stance was hands on hips, feet apart.


 * SerenaJ P7:** The nkisis nkondi has it's hands on it's hips and feet spaced widely apart. It shows all the power and anger the figure has, so it can solve the problems of others.


 * GraceK P7:** The figure symbolized power and assertiveness because it is standing with its hands on its hips with his feet apart.


 * AnnaJ P1:** This is a lot of power, to be able to solve disputes, and it is shown by the figure stance, hands on hips and wide stance shows it power, its ability to be able to solve dispute and make peace in the village.

__**Describe three ways that the power of the figure is protected.**__
 * SamiF P2:** The figure stands with both feet apart and hands on hips. This stance symbolizes the object's purpose in African society by showing the aggressive and powerful force of the object. Its stance shows that it is ready to solve any dispute or argument. On the stomach of the figure, there is a mirror. This mirror has been interpreted in many different ways. Some believe that it can scare away or capture evil spirits. Others believe that it is a passageway to the world of the spirits. The figure's open mouth might represent its ability to communicate with the human world.


 * GraceD P6:** One of the ways was that it could scare away or capture evil spirits, and it could also represent a passage to the spirit world. Maybe the open mouth and bell could represent an ability to communicate with the living world.


 * SerenaJ P7:** Since it's so powerful, there is only one nkisi nkodi per village. The figure is kept in a special shrine away from the community. Only the ritual expert may touch the nkisi nkondi.


 * GraceK P7:** There is a mirror is placed on the stomach to chase evil spirits away and communicate to the spirit world, and there is a bell and an open mouth to talk to people in the living world, and there were rituals performed on the figure. Before the figure is sold or taken away, the rituals were taken away, but the only person who can touch the nkisi nkondi is the ritual expert.


 * AnnaJ P1:** The figure is protected by the mirror on its stomach, which is keeping evil sprits away. The mirror on its stomach also makes it able to talk to people in the spirit world. The figure's open mouth and bell makes it able to talk to people in the living world.