Janiform figure "kabeja" · D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3040840
Swiss Private Collection
Greg Houser, Minneapolis, USA
Description
wood, honey brown patina, brass necklace, two identical formed figures, 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 encourage fertility and to protect against evil forces.
The object Janiform figure “kabeja” with the object ID 3040840 was last part of the auction 83rd Tribal Art Auction at May 28, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 424.
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