Janus power figure "mpwau" · D. R. Congo, Teke · ID: 3047178
not available anymore
Provenance
Kim Redlich, Düsseldorf, GermanySize
H: 44 cm
H: 17.3 inch
Description
wood, base
The Teke carved different kinds of power figures, which were provided with various magical substances and had different functions. They are usually called “biteke”.
This special Janus-shaped type of a power figure, was called “mpwau”, according to Felix, and belonged to a land chief’s regalia.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 173, fig. 6