Janusheaded ritual implement ·  D. R. Congo, Basikasingo · ID: 3032226

Description

wood, red pigment, kaolin, sacrificial traces, a long conical neck carved with two identical bearded faces, face halves dyed in different colours, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
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.

Comparing literature

Biebuyck, Daniel P., Statuary from the pre-Bembe hunters, Tervuren 1981, p. 153, ill. 42