Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society, D. R. Congo, Bakongo, Size: H: 42,3 cm (H: 16.7 inch), ID: 3046457

Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society, D. R. Congo, Bakongo, Size: H: 42,3 cm (H: 16.7 inch), ID: 3046457 - 2/6

Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society, D. R. Congo, Bakongo, Size: H: 42,3 cm (H: 16.7 inch), ID: 3046457 - 3/6

Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society, D. R. Congo, Bakongo, Size: H: 42,3 cm (H: 16.7 inch), ID: 3046457 - 4/6

Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society, D. R. Congo, Bakongo, Size: H: 42,3 cm (H: 16.7 inch), ID: 3046457 - 5/6

Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society, D. R. Congo, Bakongo, Size: H: 42,3 cm (H: 16.7 inch), ID: 3046457 - 6/6

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Lot 70

94th Tribal Art Auction

Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society · D. R. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3046457

sold EUR 800

Provenance

Peter Willborg, Stockholm, Sweden

Size

H: 42,3 cm

H: 16.7 inch

Description

wood, encrusted patina, kaolin, fabric, nut shells, plant fibre, base

The “Janus” effigies are called “thafu malungu” and represent the first male initiates “Matundu” and “Malanda”.They grip sticks behind their necks, referring to those used during initiation rites to beat the initiates.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 107

Publications

AHDRC: 0170759

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