Female power half figure "kakudji" ·  D. R. Congo, Kusu · ID: 3033500

Description

wood, partly shiny brown patina, remains of a package with magical mass on the head, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on metal plate;
the Kusu came from the northwest together with the Nkutshu and Tetela. They branched off, passing through Luba, Hemba, and Songye territories. They picked up customs and incorporated other groups on the way. Considering the abundance of carvings from most Lubaized cultures, the Kusu have not sculpted very much. Their typology is limited. The “kakudji” half figures seem to be Kasongo influenced, but the Kasongo are probably an isolated clan of Kusu origin. The cavity for insertion of magical ingredients reminds of the Songe.