Male-female pair of power figures · D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3048724
not available anymore
Provenance
Karl-Heinz Grunwald, Berlin, Germany (1970s)Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany (2001)
Size
H: 38cm (female) & 39,5 cm (male)
H: 38cm (female) & 15.6 inch (male)
Description
wood, fabric, rattan, base
It is possible that this particular figures are statuettes of the “khosi” type which, according to Bourgeois, can appear in pairs as free-standing figures.
The original magic charge is still partially preserved on both figures. It is found in square recesses in the abdomen, and on the female figure additionally in the form of small cloth bags that are hung on both arms. The luxuriant hangings with strips of fabric of various materials also served magical purposes.
Comparing literature
Bourgeois, Arthur P., The Yaka and Suku, Leiden 1985, p. 107