In general, nkisi refers to an object containing living, empowering spirits and is activated by the filling of the object with medicines. Nkisi are key figures in the art of Central Africa. In particular, nkisi nkondi play an active role in Kongo society in the settling of disputes and other community roles. A uniting feature of nkisi nkondi is the placement of medicines and other potent materials primarily in the mirror box at the stomach and on top of the head. This nkisi nkondi also has such material behind the eyes and inside the mouth. The nails and blades piercing the figure represent requests for the service of the nkisi by a person or people seeking the solution to social or political problems or issues of health.