A nkisi is a power or spirit from the invisible world of the dead, who may also reside in a statue. A nkisi can offer protection from disease and other calamities, punish criminals, and affirm agreements, alliances, and protestations of innocence.<Br>The ritual specialist or nganga brings a nkisi to life by attaching an empowering substance (bilongo) to it. Bilongo entices a spirit to come down from the heavens and to take up residence in the figure. In this power figure, the bilongo is under the headgear, in the small receptacle on the belly and in the little bag attached to the head. There are remnants of bilongo in the box: white clay and red earth. In addition to the bilongo, the little bag probably also contains items such as a lock of hair or nails taken from the person who is hoping to be healed.<Br>This healing figure is wrapped in cloth and its arms covered in white clay. White is the colour of death, and refers to the world of the spirits. The figure’s feet are tied together with a cord made of fibres. This means that the nkisi cannot walk or use his arms, so to speak.