Andre Lebone

Nkisi Kofa

30 x 40 x 72in

Metal, Foam, Wire, Paper Mache, Paper Clay, Dirt paint, Glass

2026

$8,000

Nkisi Kofa was a glass pendant, a black figure sheltering an egg. It symbolizes the role of an artist. It is inspired by the Sankofa and responds to the Scramble for Africa. Specifically, the Bead Trade and it’s pertinence to the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade.

As a New Orleanian Afro-American glass worker, my medium is one where my body was once worth its material. This History fuels my mission of reclamation and story-telling.

My Senior Capstone at the University of New Orleans allowed me the platform to expand this concept and explore inspirations such as the Nkisi. A visual & spiritual practice where I find relation to my piece’s original north star. I believe the Nkisi and the Artist share a position of Responsibility, Reverence and Power.