Janus headed power figure "kalunga" · D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3043018
not available anymore
Size
H: 24,5 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, red and white pigment, two nearly identical carved mask faces with large oval deepened eye-sockets, min. dam., cracks, small missing parts (base), traces of abrasion.
This sculpture represents “kalunga”, an aquatic spirit. In order 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.
Comparing literature
Biebuyck, Daniel P., Statuary from the pre-Bembe hunters, Tervuren 1981, p.152