Janiform power figure

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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.

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Comparing literature

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

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