Janiform figure "kabeja" ·  D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3038240

Description

wood, dark brown patina, partly shiny, partly encrusted, two identical formed figures, male/female, arranged back to back, funnel-shaped superstructure for insertion of magical substances, min. dam., small missing parts, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
“kabeja” figures are seen as visual icon of the primordial couple, the founders of the society. They are owned by the clan head known as the “fumu mwela”. “Kabeja” figures are presented at clan meetings led by the chief. They were used by individuals for multiple purposes: to ensure good relationship with primordial ancestors, to bring fertility and to protect against evil forces.

The object Janiform figure “kabeja” with the object ID 3038240 was part of the auction 79th Tribal Art Auction on March 21, 2015. The object with the lot number 450 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,200 with an asking price of EUR 3,000.

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