Standing female figure "kakungu" ·  D. R. Congo, Metoko · ID: 3047837

Description

wood, base

The Metoko have different types of figures, all related to the “bukota” society, an association that played a leading role in Metoko social and political life.

“Kakungu” were used in connection with the initiation rites of boys. According to Felix, they were placed at the entrance of the “tanda”, a ritual house placed on stilts, to indicate that an initiation was in progress.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc Leo, Ritual Figures in Congo, Hong Kong 2018, p. 304