Janus headed power figure "kalunga" ·  D. R. Congo, Bembe II - Eastern Bembe · ID: 3040654

Description

wood, brown patina, red and white pigment, slanted face halves, slightly vaulted and dyed alternately in red and white, projecting eyes, hairdo and cuff from plant fibre around the neck, slightly dam., cracks (partly filled with mass), abrasion of paint, base;
this sculpture represents “kalunga”, an aquatic spirit. In oder to counteract misfortunes inflicted on people by this spirit, the diviner prescribes the manufacture of this figurine, and the blood of sacrificially killed chickens spilled on it.