Janusheaded figure "khosi" ·  D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3033353

Description

wood, brown patina, red and white pigment remains, elongated torso, painted with red and white dots, the face halfes alternating painted in red and white, a cavity filled with magical mass, dam., cracks, insect caused damage, on base;
such figures appear in different versions: freestanding pairs, joined back to back or single statuettes with janus face, the magical mass is either sealed in the stomach portion or hang in pouches or antelope horn containers on the neck or the waist; these figures are kept within a special cabin in the compound of a headman or chief.