Post with anthropomorphic heads ·  D. R. Congo, Lengola · ID: 3048561

Description

wood, traces of weathering / insect damage in the lower area, base

The exact purpose of these posts, which were used by the Lengola and the neighbouring Metoko, is still not clear.

It is believed that such object were used in initiatory and funerary contexts. The juxtaposition of carved heads could metaphorically stand for the succession of generations of initiates and ancestors.

The object Post with anthropomorphic heads with the object ID 3048561 was last part of the auction 97th Auction at November 6, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 322.

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Comparing literature

Bourgeois, Arthur & Scott Rodolitz, Remnants of Ritual, New York 2003, p. 53, ill. 111 Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 77, fig. 11