Janiform magical figure "kabeja"
D. R. Congo, Luba/Kusu
not available anymore
Provenance
Ketterer, Munich, 13 November 1982, lot 365Bernhard Jäger, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
Size
H: 28 cm
H: 11.0 inch
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, male and female, triangular faces with slanting eyes, dam. (nose), insect caused missing parts (legs, left arm of the female), rep. (missing part filled with clay-like mass), crack, 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.
Publications
AHDRC: 0029478