Ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society
D. R. Congo, Bakongo
sold
EUR 800
Provenance
Peter Willborg, Stockholm, SwedenSize
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. 107Publications
AHDRC: 0170759