Mudlarking the River Thames : The Mysterious Wooden Dog with nails in his back found on the Thames
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- čas přidán 7. 08. 2024
- When I first spotted a carved grimacing figure of a wooden dog with nails poking out of his back I was certain that it must be some kind of voodoo object and I decided that I definitely would not be taking him home with me. However, after taking photos and then posting them on twitter, several people responded to me and informed me that the figure looked like a Nkisi Kondi power figure made in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the late 19th century or early 20th century. These figures are made in many forms - often human, but this one is a dog and is called a Nkisi Kozo.
Thank you to Professor Dan Hicks and Theo Weiss who both explained to me more about the power figure and persuaded me to go and pick it up (I refer to it as him - I dont know why!). I have since, been researching these figures and they are fascinating. It just goes to show how we can learn so much from miscellaneous objects we pick up on the Thames foreshore.
Here is a very good video which talks about Minkisi (plural of Nkisi)
• Power Figure: Male (Nk...
Also, Theo Weiss, sent me this informative link. It’s about the use and design of Congolese Minkisi in general (rather than dog form / Kozo Nkisi in particular) but contains lots of useful information: artmuseum.princeton.edu/story...
I welcome your thoughts on the Nkisi Kozo and any of the other finds which featured on today's video.
Thank you for watching. You can follow me on twitter and instagram @tidelineart
if you wish to treat me to a virtual cup of tea then you can find my kofi site here:-
ko-fi.com/nicolawhitetidelineart
Thank you very much
Take care and see you soon.
Nicola
Nicola White
www.tidelineart.com
#nicolawhitemudlark #mudlarking #minkisi
Stuck in the river with a broken leg for who knows how long, now the ancient spirit can finally continue their journey. Probably my favorite of your finds!
I cannot help but believe that YOU, Nicola, are most certainly meant to be part of the journey!!! You have such a good heart! What do YOU believe should be done with the Nkisi? Nothing happens by "mistake".
You've got me convinced that there's one of everything lying on the bed of the Thames. Let me know when you dredge up a hood ornament from a '38 Packard...Dad's on a restoration mission...
😁
good luck!
I've got a '39 but the glass is broken.
38 packard happens to be my favourite car 😭 your dad is my dad now pls n thanks
Hahahaha! Your comment gave me a good chuckle!
That dog is AMAZING and beautiful. He came up for you!!! He has an obvious presence and active spirit. I would cherish and respect him. You were clearly chosen to bring him out and tell his story. Thank you for going back to get him and for sharing his history and continuing journey!!! He is part of your journey now....
Thank you!
I think it’s wonderful that you are planning to send him back to the people and place that his story rightly belongs. Your videos are not only entertaining, but educational and inspiring.
The Nkisi looked miserable when you found it, but now he seems to be smiling on the shelf behind you! Hopefully you'll find a new home for him in his native Congo.
@@hogwashmcturnip8930 Yes exactly!
yes, he does look as if he is smiling now doesn't he!
Does the Congo hav
I thought so too
@James Cricket it’s not trash, it’s a culturally significant idol that has “religious/magical” properties (historically). Your comment is ethnocentric and racist.
As soon as I saw the dog I knew he was African. A folk art gallery next door to my business used to sell Nksi figurines. African art can, at first glance look brutal and your initial reaction was absolutely normal. But as with most folk art, the stories behind them are always so interesting. I love how you spoke it being on its journey. Well done Nic!
Thank you Jane. Yes, Im so glad I learned more about it. I feel completely different about it now
it looks like, nkisi dog figurines were made to protection according to what i found:
Dogs are closely tied to the spiritual world in Kongo mythology. They live in two separate worlds; the village of the living, and the forest of the dead. Minkisi is a term referring to therapeutic substances chosen for their attributes and believed ability to aid in specific situations. The metal objects commonly pounded into the surface of the power figures represent the minkisis' active roles during ritual or ceremony. Each nail or metal piece represents a vow, a signed treaty, and efforts to abolish evil.
Still, as a Christian I wouldn't want something that may be linked to that kind of spirit-worship.
Love the story of the dog. Maybe I am being silly,but when you first found him,he looked sinister or scary,but seeing him in your art room, he looks almost happy. Maybe he has found where he should be.
I really love the idea that this nkisi was in the river trying to find its way back to the Congo and you can help it on its journey. It's clearly helped defend against at least 8 evil doers (or evil doers eight times?) so he deserves to go home and rest from all his superhero power work. Thank you for helping him get home.
Why not contact the DRC embassy in London? There must be one. Someone there might help you. I wonder if the image is associated with a particular family or clan. Please let us know the rest of his story!
It is an inanimate object. It can't think or have intentions.
@@christopherpatefield6150 Good to know you have no imagination or poetic inclination. Also, no one on the planet knows everything, not even you.
@@christopherpatefield6150 Nothing is inanimate, all things have energy.
The Medicine Dog has taken you on a journey of self reflection. People of the West have been inculcated with fear toward all things not christian; and you did feel the fear. Then you traveled down the path of education to arrive at the point of inspiring discovery. Such an excellent adventure! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! You are right. That is really it in a nutshell. It is how we are conditioned to think unfortunately. I will never assume such a thing again.
@@nicolawhitemudlark , all kidding aside, there is a spirit world, and while there are good and bad ( the bad ones deceive us in representing the dead...the dead who sleep until the judgment and know nothing ), the God of heaven and the Bible is in charge.
@@nicolawhitemudlark (Direct comments are blocked for me in CZcams, but I am allowed to reply to someone else.) I want to suggest what I believe to be a traditional name for the dog: Rover. That seems appropriate and respectful, considering his or her journey.
@@jillmadigan9841 it shouldn’t be given anything lest ye fancy being CURSED!!!
@@relicholic7508 , it's strongly suggestive of being material culture evidence of an African shaman's (medicine man/woman) ritual object.
I'm so glad you went back to save the dog!
Yes, and in the nick of time too.
In the Antique Roadshow of The Netherlands, Kunst of Kitch, a piece like that , without water destruction, was taxated at 25000 euro's. Yes 25000. No mistake.
I will give you 50000
I did not dare to say but the taxation was indeed 50.000 euro.
The Nkisi may have been found when an elderly relative passed away and their home was cleared. It could easily have given some younger relative the creeps so they disposed of it in running water. Running water being a safe way to safely dispose of magical things in a great many cultures.
Wasn't there a hammer horror thing about a spooky voodo doll, carnt remember the name!
I did wonder if someone found it in their attic maybe!
Interesting xxx
@@shelly-7236 I remember that film when I was a child , its actually a film I wouldn't ever watch again because it terrified me , funny enough I have a large collection of antique german dolls I keep in the kitchen in a large dresser , I never go down stairs at night , all those glass eyes staring at you , at least they stop the midnight snacks lol any noises that come from the kitchen I always think about that film
@@shelly-7236 it was an anthology of 3 stories called Trilogy of Terror and the one with the African doll starred Karen Black.
The history surrounding your dog is very interesting, you really nailed it.
😂😂
Oh please😂
Lol
Ah,yes! 😆
haha
I'm a detectorist in NH, USA, and I'm glad I've stumbled upon your videos. These are my refreshments, between writing lesson plans and grading assignments. How I wish I could be at the Thames.
Glad you're enjoying them Sandra
Keep him, he's yours for the time being, maybe one day someone will seem to you like they would make a better owner, and then he can move on, but shipping him off to stand all alone in glass case isn't what he was made for. Great video!
2 minutes in when you started questioning the dog, I half expected the creepy little thing to start talking back 😳
ha ha Beth! yes, supposing he did. imagine that!
Haha
Me too!!
I thought he was going to bring Nicola bad luck!
What a fascinating find with an interesting story. That dog seemed quite insistent that you take him home.
Loved hearing the story about the dog. You were destined to be part of his journey xx
Those bullets weren’t “spent”, they haven’t yet been fired. A fired round will have a dimple in the center section of the primer. Additionally, those were what we here in America call “blanks”, a round that has a powder charge but no projectile. These are easily distinguished by the crimped closed end where the projectile would normally be.
It was a case with no bullet, and yes, a blank.
@@noahway13 Blanks can still kill if fired at close range. I remember a case in the 1950’s, the powder or charge is held in by a piece of card before the round is crimped at the end. The card will be ejected with some force over a short distance, enough to kill someone in very rare circumstances.
@@Cholseyroyal Are countering some implication Keith did not make?
@@JH-vy7uy yeah I don't understand the point of his comment either. I think he just wanted to show off his gun knowledge 😂
In the Congo kingdom, this fetish dog was called Nkondi which is supposed to carry a variety of magical objects that should be handled by a Nganga ( a specialist).
In order to liberate spirits and forces regulating the world, Nkondi must be provoked. So Nganga sings, insults him and hammers blades and nails into his body.
If Nicola White is able to cajole Nkondi and finds out how to deal with him, she will definitely stop corona pandemic in a blink of an eye. 🤣🤣
Thanks for sharing.
( N.B= your 'Nkondi' could be a lycaon)
I live on Vancouver Island in Canada. The same thing has happened to our First Nation's sacred artifacts and some of them are returning from all over the world. I hope you are able to return the dog to its rightful place.
@@carolcanode7556 Well that would be nice! But I have never heard of any such thing. Museums around the world are starting to either voluntarily return artifacts or they are being confronted. Missionaries, explorers etc. returned to Europe with items that did not belong to them - each item has a history of its own. It is not very difficult to historians to figure out where an item originated from.
@@dannsherstone1037 There is this tendency today (in this woke culture) to assume that westerners especially Europeans went around unassuming native cultures plundering and stealing everything.This was not always the case, some of these artifacts were purchased or given as gifts. For example this dog may have been purchased or bartered by some befuddled westerner seeking spiritual guidance on an issue. While western cultures tend to like hoarding stuff in museums it has meant that these have been on display for anybody from anywhere to see or study, which that opportunity may not have arisen in their homeland..but probably in agreement that now is the time to start sending it all back.
@@Witheredgoogie You are correct that some were purchased and gifted. But a lot was taken - even human remains! Who know what the story is with the dog and it is up to Nicola to decide - Nicola is so respectful of what she finds.
@@dannsherstone1037 exactly! Napoleon plundered Egypt. Did the Vikings barter for loot at Lindisfarne? Continuing to look on explorers as benevolent when all they brought was disease, greed, enslavement and death to the great people who already occupied those lands is not only naive, it is ethnocentric. Those who think it was justified are just revealing they believe their “race” or culture is superior. And we all know what happens if you spend too much time thinking you are the “Master Race”!
@@nanolafsson4749 Nan, not all explorers were like that. Plus, the so-called first people in North America themselves moved there from Asia, who knows if there were tribes already there who suffered from them?
You made a massive leap from artifacts to blanket accusations of racism that the subject doesn't deserve.
Thank you, Nic, for being always so willing to learn, and for sharing your discoveries with us. That dog could not have asked for a better rescuer. Well done on going back and picking him up, scary as he was. IMVHO, now the embassy of his country of origin would be the most qualified to advise on how to help him on on his journey. Much love
Intriguing! You're braver than I...I would have left it. But for the sake of history & learning, I'm glad you did your homework.
You can always contact the DRC consulate to see if they would like it back.
Best of luck for both you & your wooden canid friend on your journeys...
Just maybe it was crafted just for you before you was born, he looked into the future and saw Nicola on the foreshore of a mighty river, he decided you need protection. All the people who walk on the foreshore and it was you who found him, keep him treasure him, he’s a great looking dog. Nice video as usual.
I just discovered your channel and OMG I am obsessed! Steadily working my way through all of them lol. Mudlarking is absolutely something I would love to do!
Hello. Welcome to the magical world of mudlarking. Im glad you are enjoying the videos. Nicola x
The dog figure is a work of art. You were right to keep him. Not to reduce everything to a cynical dollars and cents assessment, but there are people who collect these things, and it's probably worth a lot to the right person as a work of art.
I don't think she did keep the dog it freaked nick out and me.
Oops sorry I've watched it again and I apologise she did keep it and it turns out it's not too freeky.....almost.
African's use nails quite often in their sculptures. I used to live near quite a few African Art galleries and I often saw such pieces sometimes covered on nails. I would keep him if I were you, I do believe that objects possess a 'soul' or some energy a bit like a spiritual battery. I have a few African pieces and they were all chosen because of 'something' I felt at the time, a call to move to me. xoxoxo
That’s been a very different video this time Nicola, your research is so extensive when you managed to find out all about the Nkisi dog and all the others that have been made so long ago. Very strange beliefs and not at all what you expect to find in Old Father Thames. Well done another Sunday treat for us all, I wonder what is going to turn up next👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰XX
Hi Nicola. Thank you so much for your incredible mahi. It is no accident that you came across this find. You have a wonderful energy and intuitively, you already know what to do. Me te aroha me te arahi. ❤️
I so agree with you! There’s definitely a reason why Nicola comes across all the fascinating things that she does. Her energy and empathy resonate from her videos.
Great video my friend. Interesting history on the dog figure. Thanks Nic, Joy. ❤️. 🇺🇸. 🏹
Your wooden offering with nails is from the beliefs of the Congo - A nkisi nkondi can act as an oath taking image which is used to resolve verbal disputes or lawsuits as well as an avenger (the term nkondi means 'hunter') or guardian if sorcery or any form of evil has been committed.
looks like it wants to be exhibited in a NewYork gallery in the 60s, but that would be cultural appropriation
Sorry answered while still watching. Nicola covers it at the end
@@gccurry1 Thank you Gayle! x
😂😂😂
In the Congo kindoki is used in witchcraft.very bad things are done in the name of kindoki
"Who are you, what are you doing here, what's your name, and what is your purpose??... Who are you??" Roflmao. Love ya Nicola 😂❤🇦🇺
Nicola, you were definitely the right person to have found the dog and to help him continue his journey. Please keep us informed of what happens to him next. I love your videos, I find them interesting and educational. Have a great week.
Nicola...thank you so much for inviting me and others to go mudlarking with you along the Thames. I was so intrigued by the carved wooden ferocious ~ looking dog with the mouth full of jagged teeth and nails protruding from his back‼️😳 I was sad when he was left on the rivers edge...and so excited when you decided to rescue him, “only to get some history”✋🌝about the little fellow⁉️Thank you for the follow~up about him and the other items you found...like the Native American INDIAN AND COWBOY FIGURES ❣️I love when you join Si and friends as well...He is such a rascal sweetheart and so creative with repurposing a lot of his finds or giving items to other members of the group who would be delighted with his find❣️
Maybe your dog has finally reached its journey's end - in your safe care.
Nice! So it is a good dog. Glad you decided to pick him up and give him a home ^_^
Such a fascinating story, I had no idea about these items. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching
The Nkisi is the coolest find I've seen so far from watching mudlarking videos. He's a great piece of art!
I'm so glad you went back to rescue the fog and allow him to continue on his journey which you were meant to be a part of.
We loved seeing the Nkisi, what an amazing thing to find! 😍 We always think it’s so cool the variety of historical objects that crop up on the Thames!! X
Josie + Andy
Thanks Josie and Andy. Yes, I loved finding this dear wooden dog. After initially finding it sinister - I was glad to learn more about it. So very special and thought provoking. It never fails to amaze me, the wonderful things we can learn from the miscellaneous objects which wash up on the foreshore xx
Hugely interesting does the MOL not want to display him and after a while he can go back to DC via the consulate. Thanks for a stunning episode.
Thank you Margi. Im going to ask the Finds Liaison Officer. Im not sure if they will want to display him or not. Ill keep you updated
Wow Nicola! Amazing the variety of stuff you find! Based on some of the comments, It seems your little dog has sparked quite an interest. Yes, sounds like he needs to go home to complete his journey. Thanks for posting such a fascinating video.
I loved him the moment you spotted him! I wouldn't have hesitated to rescue him, though I have a love for the odd and macabre anyway. I love how time and tide has eroded the wood, it just gives him even more character. The story behind his creation is fascinating!
Someone "cared" enough to mend the dog's arm. It's cool.
A really fascinating video today, the Nikisi Kozo dog is so interesting, you were meant to find him, even when leaving him behind then having to go back and retrieve him, he was happy you found him. Let us know what finally happens to him. Have a good week, and many thanks for your continuing great videos.
Thank you Jeff. I shall definitely keep you updated on the dog
That crow knows there’s something very valuable to him somewhere in that mud, your little museumlooks incredible to think the objects were destined never to be seen again by their previous keepers/caretakers. Lots of love from 🏴
So glad you saved that little carved dog. I screamed, go back Nicola🖖 Hard to tell how old the nails are. Amazing find.
If you find a lost dog, always do your best to get him home
my thoughts exactly!
Best answer :D
You are his foster mom, and he was looking for someone who would help him. Dogs know who to come to, so I think he surfaced for you to find.
@@nicolawhitemudlark Pray over it, bless it in the name of Jesus the Christ, then watch what happens.
Peace and love.
@@nicolawhitemudlark +!!
Nkondi (plural varies minkondi, zinkondi, or ninkondi)[1] are mystical statuettes made by the Kongo people of the Congo region. Nkondi are a subclass of minkisi that are considered aggressive. The name nkondi derives from the verb -konda, meaning "to hunt" and thus nkondi means "hunter" because they can hunt down and attack wrong-doers, witches, or enemies.
Thank you Lynn!
wonderful hunt on the river! re the ammo......if the percussion cap in the center is not indented, the round was never fired, it just fell apart over time. it would be interesting to see what happens if you place an ancient unspent percussion cap on an anvil and give it a good whack with a hammer
I should’ve put quotes around that, it’s from Wikipedia! There’s a lot more information too, it mentions nails.
@@lynnt.2583 I think quite a few have become "dangerously" knowledgeable of Nkisi's and the Lower Congo. Found a brilliant article Nkisi Figures of the Lower Congo
by Zdenka Volavkova. What I was surprised was that the nails are round and machined made. Look to be an 1830 English nail that would have probable made it to the Congo in 1908.
I think the little wooden dog is absolutely amazing. I definitely would have brought him home and gave him some peace. What a journey he has been on. Who knows how long he was tumbling along in the river. You were meant to find him and I think he is where he belongs. Right there where so many people can admire him.
I just found your channel Nicola and I have to say you are really captivating - fascinating stuff. I had a 16th Thatched Cottage for many years in Devon and found tons of interesting things in the 'dirt' whilst bringing the gardens back to life including a whole early victorian bedstead ( but nothing of value mind! ). I do know of one find locally were a new owner of a house found a roman bust in the overgrown garden that was sold for £30K!!! It's amazing the stuff that's just laying about waiting to be found.
Thank you! Your garden sounds wonderful
It's so interesting to see your finds and to learn the history of the objects. The Nkiso was so interesting and I'm sure you will do the right thing. Happy hunting and blessings
I think the dog is one of your most unique finds to date Nicola!! I was all in favor of you leaving him behind as well but now I’m totally intrigued by his history. Can’t wait to hear what else you learn about him. Hope you are doing well my friend I’ve yet to meet!!
Love and hugs from DeeAnn 🇺🇸
I love how you call Nicola your friend who you are yet to meet, I feel just the same way about her!
What a fabulous video again. So interesting about your dog find. Be interesting to see the next leg of his future journey. Thank you.
You are a part of his journey.
So pleased you rescued him from the chilly river.
The dog figurine reminds me of the movie "Trilogy of Terror" from the 1970's-whatever you do Nicola,DON'T BURN IT UP IN THE OVEN!!!
That movie terrified my sister and I when we were young. Karen black went head to head with that little figure.🇨🇦
Yeah, I saw that too.
I would try to find a museum in the DRC that would like to have it
yes good idea
I agree maybe even the DRC embassy
I agree. Send him home so that he can finish his journey.
You might struggle to find a museum in the DRC that's still standing.
@@carlwilson1772 Really? The National Museum of the DRC seems to be doing very well. momaa.org/directory/national-museum-of-drc/
I really feel that the pup was there for you to discover (despite the fact it took a while to warm up to him.) I think either you'll know when he's ready to move on, or he'll find his own way somehow. It really feels to me though that your finding him wasn't completely serendipitous. 👋🏼🙋🏽♀️✌🏼
I love the dog figure, I wanted you to take it right away. What an interesting story and just think of the journey he must have had!
At first I thought it was a Gargoyle and the nails in the back were where it was attached to a building……..So glad you went back and rescued it, and researched this, probably one of your most interesting finds…..
So much you don’t know, or will ever know. I would be interested to know, When a person attached to the object dies, what happens to the spirit objects powers?….who does it now have power for, or do the powers die with the person, or by finding it, could you be it’s new master? So glad you feel comfortable with it, must be an omen….You are now bridged between the two worlds….a good place to reside….🌻💗
Thank you Linda. There is so much more to learn about these power figures but I have the same questions as you!
I like your idea of it being a gargoyle, the screws or nails on the back look as though they may have held wings to the body. If it is a gargoyle then there has to be a building along the themes where all his buddies hang out, unless of course he came off of an ornate traveling wagon from the 19th century such as a thespian group or medicine show. But that would be hopeful to think he survived in the water that long. Don't know just a thought.
@@davidwilson6933 Yes , I wondered if it was a type of gargoyle & the nails being a way to affix it to something ? I also wondered what type of wood it was made from & the nails too? I would be curious to learn how old it is & how long it's been in the river (water) for ? It is a great find, I am so glad Nicola went back for it, (him?)
You wouldn't have trained your crow in the art of mudlarking have you, he sits and looks and then calls as if to tell you there's something interesting
If you have I think he should have a credit in your videos ! 🤣😂😂 🐧
So glad you went back for him Nic!
Thanks Ed. So am I
Good video, Nicole. You have such an amazing eye for finds in all of that Thames muck!
Hi, I am so glad you went back for him. When I first saw him there in the mud he looked like something evil or mean. I was sad when you left him but understood why. Then as soon as you picked him up he looked like he is sitting up smiling and happy. He needs a vacation in your sunny room of treasures lol. He can catch up with some old river pals. Special find💖
The dog looked scary when you first picked him up. Now I think he's smiling to be in a new home! A mudlark wouldn't be the same without a great pipe find! 😊♥️
Such an interesting video! Amazing finds and history! Thanks so much 😊
Amazing! I loved this Nicola....the opening credits were wonderfully eerie! The saving of this relic is so important. I think someone probably didn't like it in their house and threw it into the river in the past. My Aunt threw her late Father's collection of masks into the local river many years ago because she felt they had bad vibes. Maybe someone's Father brought the dog back and had it for years before a relative came across it after his death...and couldn't bear it due to thinking it was related to witchcraft.
Hello. Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it. Yes I wondered if that was the case too.
One of them ended up stuck to Jim Carrey's face.
You will know in your heart when to send your pup on the rest of his journey.
first rabbit I ever saw with a mane there...back in my distant (oh too distant) youth we still had some lead military miniatures- one horseman represented often a whole cadre of men - such as a brigade, the reason behind it being they were often too large to put many of them on the battlefields of the day which usually were a few long tables put together and the legs of such tables tied together to prevent the battlefield driting apart at the wrong time. After the 1960's those larger figures gave way to 37 mm figures (down from 54 mm), and then down further to 25 mm- and those began being made of alloys as lead became known as too dangerous to handle frequently. I still have some of my old 25 mm figures, and some also of my 1/2400th scale WWII naval ships (which makes The HMS Rodney a ship about an inch wide and 3 inches long, and a Gallant destroyer about a half inch or so. in length).
Very interesting find, the nkisi. I too would have thought oh no, you are staying right here. Glad you went back and got it.
Fascinating!! I love learning along with you!! So much is lurking in the mud of the Thames!! Thanks!!💕💕💕💕
If the history of the DRC government is any indication, if repatriated, he’ll most likely end up in some officials private collection. May as well be in your private collection.
Sadly I do have to agree with you.
How rude!!! Your assumptions are typical of the colonizers mindset. Try this thought process...EVERYTHING DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU!!! GIVE IT BACK!!!😕
@@myjoyquest You need to chill out hun...
@@erikwoods821 Typical...I'm sure Nicola can handle her own affairs. I've seen all your comments. You're an antagonist. You certainly need to find your lane and stay in it...Boo!!!
@@myjoyquest Get a grip of yourself.
Voodog! I don’t think I’d be easy with that in the house either Nicola - especially if you hear him scuttling round the house at night! 😬 Loved the pocket watch ⏱
AKA, Karen Black and the Trilogy of Terror !!!
Tales of the unexpected lol
=)
A fascinating episode! Thanks for all the information!
I love how you overcame your concerns and decided to find out more. Great example for how we should deal with so many of life's concerns. I'm currently living with end stage liver cancer and your mudlarking is the perfect medicine for taking myself out of my worries. Great job! Tim
Thank you Tim. Loads of love 💕😘
❤️sending you love wherever you are
🫂
I’d see if the DRC would like it back! Neat find.
A friends dad used to make lead soldiers ,cowboys etc using little moulds for his 3 boys in early 1950 s & us other kids would swap marbles & other stuff for them !!
I'm so delighted I found your channel! Calming and interesting content!!!
What a great episode! The story of the Nkisi Kozo is fascinating.
Wow! I think your nkisi dog figure was your best and most interesting find ever! I don't think he is creepy at all. As you probably know however, I am most interested in tribal art. I said as you stood him up " ooh he looks African!" . He is real and not a tourist piece. Probably fairly valuable. Please take good care of him, he was probably looking for a good home
Thank you Karen
The dog was so amazing! The things you find are so amazing! I think you should see if a museum would want to display it. If not I think you should keep in your collection. It is really cool.
Thanks Jana xx
I guess after larking on the Thames as often as you do, you're eye learns a few things...to this day i'm still absolutely amazed at how you pick that stuff up! I still love it how you show something and say things like...do you see it?? And i just laugh and say NO! I'm blind as a bat i guess! You'll need to put on a course/training seminar when things open up!!! Love these videos!!
Just came across your channel and loved the video so I subed right away. Really neat video. Thanks
The numbered disc: I've seen similar used as tool room tokens. Employee #6 leaves his token at the tool room when he checks out tool XYZ.
Fantastic video Nicola! The pocket watch is stunning. I question myself “when did the clock strike the end” whenever I come across a pocket watch😀. The wooden dog, looks scarery lol but it has a role to play. A wooden Peice of historic art. See you next time!
Thanks Adam. Yes, I agree with you there about the watch. When did it stop?
Mr Burns : "Smithers" ! "Release the Nkisi" 😄 ! At first glance ,definitely the creepiest "entity" I've seen in a loooong time 😱. Yet, at the same time, (kudos for your courage,Nicola), one cannot help but take pity on the wretched hellhound, as he emanates an almost overwhelming feeling of forlorn misery and melancholy ; an abandoned outcast without purpose ,washed up on foreign shores and totally out of his true element . Godspeed on his further journeys ! Really cool Rolex military pocket watch . Congrats to a great find 👍!
A wonderful video. You never disappoint me with your amazing finds. The history lessons are a treat. Take care and be well. I look forward to your next adventure in Mudlarking.
Thank you
I recognised the dog as something I've seen in the Manchester Museum many times
He looks happy with you....Id keep him it feels right somehow. His story is fascinating no matter what happens to him with you as his guardian I feel like he will end up in the right place.
Thanks for the great history lessons! Your video editing is stellar!
Very interesting histories. I love the toys, like ever, Nicola.
Maybe he belongs to you, maybe your studio is the end of his journey. He is safe with you because you do not sell your finds. Let him guide you and follow your heart!
Thank you!
Best thing for sure - have you thought, maybe...he found you Nicola? And so IS now at the end of his journey. If I was you I'd treasure him, at least he knows he's safe & loved under your roof.
@@erikwoods821 thanks Erik
No!!!
Cool relic. It is a tough one to decide….if they are collected and you give it to a dishonest person, he may just sell it. Does a British museum have any Congo pieces? I wouldn’t give it to them, either, if they won’t guarantee to exhibit it…it might as well keep you company as sit in storage. The fact that you went back for it is eerily moving…maybe it is right where it is supposed to be.
My eye is always drawn to the cheeky smile of the dog behind your shoulder.
I just found your channel.. I watched a show a few years ago where these two guys would detect on the Thames and when they found something amazing they would do a thorough investigation the item. As an American we don't have a lot of items as old as yours.. well maybe 80 million old dinosaurs .. =) subbed!
Thank you
I thank you for the explanation and the Swahili lesson; my best guess was a figurehead. As to its future, if you feel moved to return it to the Congo, then by all means. An excellent video, love seeing your finding the secrets of the Thames.
They don't speak Swahili in the Congo.
@@martinreavey8419 according to my sources, while the Official Language is French, National languages are Kongo, Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.
This statue discovery reminds me of the movie : The mask ! Crazy
Thank you for such an interesting video . Always look forward to see what you are going to find . Must admit the dog was rather creepy !! but what a background to him so fascinating . Thank you for sharing
Also…very clever on the closing credits (“Thank you for ‘watching’”) 😆
Hahaha
The leg is from a mantel clock and the dog could go to the London Museum or back to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo to be repatriated.
I second your "mantle clock leg". I'm looking at one right now -(Grandma's) circa 1900. They were held on with little brass nails and tended to come loose over time.