Janiform power figure ·  D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3033466

Description

wood, brown patina, kaolin, redwood powder, conical base carved with two nearly identical modelled mask faces arranged “back to back”, min. dam., cracks, traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
the sculpture presumably represents “kalunga”, one of the aquatic spirits “miha”. The creation of such a figure was ordered by the soothsayer in order to counteract misfortune, which the spirit might inflict on the people. “Miha” received ritual chicken sacrifices to keep him well-disposed.

Comparing literature

Biebuyck, Daniel P., Statuary from the pre-Bembe hunters, Tervuren 1981, p. 153, ill. 42