Figure of a hermaphrodite

Description

wood, encrusted greyish brown patina, sticky sacrificial patina in some areas (back of the head, back), rectangular contoured face with projecting beard and c-shaped ears, prominent breasts, the upper part of the body flattened on both sides with the belly tapering to a point, tightly enclosed by overlong arms with the hands held in a protective gesture in front of the shame, legs extremely bent, missing parts (both lower legs and feet), rep. (right leg on backside), drilled holes (back of the head, right thigh), base;
because of the sticky sacrificial patina present figure might belong to the type of “vageu” figures. These figures were placed aside the body of important deceased clan members in order to absorb a good deal of their “nyama”, the spiritual forces of the dead. Afterwards the spiritually strengthened figure was returned to the shrine, where now sacrifices could be made to obtain and secure health and fecundity. Sacrificial liquids were poured on the figural sculptures, including the blood of chicken, sheep, and goats, millet porridge, mixtures of various fruit and plant juices etc. These sacrificial materials are vehicles for “nyama”, the vital force that determines a persons mental and physical well-being.