Zemanek-Münster

Power figure "khosi" with janus head ·  D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3035282

not available anymore
Provenance
Old Belgian Collection
Size
H: 18,5 cm
H: 7.3 inch

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, the armless body wrapped in fabric, which is filled with three magical packages, identical formed faces with accentuated nose-mouth part, typical head crest, slightly dam., paint rubbed off, socle;
“khosi” statuettes are the largest variety of freestanding sculpture throughout the region. These figures are paired with a separate bag of charm ingredients or consist of paired statuettes that may be freestandig, joined back to back, or a single statuette with janus face, arms and legs. Charm medicines are either sealed in the stomach portion or hang in pouches or antilope horn containers at the neck or waist. The essential ingredients of “khosi” charms include leaves and bark of giant trees of the forest. The statuette is kept within a special cabin or shelter in the compound of a headman or chief. Those inducted are given packets of “khosi” medicines to be kept in their own dwelling.


The object Power figure “khosi” with janus head with the object ID 3035282 was last part of the auction 74th tribal art auction at September 7, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 421.

You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.


Comparing literature

Bourgeois, Arthur P., Art of the Yaka and Suku, Paris 1984, p. 107


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