Janiform figure "kabeja" · D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3038528
not available anymore
Provenance
Robert Keating Collection, USA (Inventory number “178”)Size
H: 26 cm
H: 10.2 inch
Description
wood, dark brown, slightly encrusted patina, two nearly identical figures, male and female, joined back-to-back, cavity on top of their heads filled with magical substances, dam., fragmentary legs and arms, fine 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 encourage fertility and to protect against evil forces.