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.
The object Janiform power figure with the object ID 3033466 was last part of the auction 70th tribal art auction at September 8, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 377.
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Comparing literature
Biebuyck, Daniel P., Statuary from the pre-Bembe hunters, Tervuren 1981, p. 153, ill. 42