Figure magique "phuungu" ·  R. D. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3047499

Description

wood, animal skin, fabric, plant fibre, collection number “L.E.750-S.”, base

The figure was once richly equipped with magical charge. Small bundles of feathers or wooden sticks were originally inserted into the cloth bags.

This type of figure was classified by Bourgeois as “phuungu”. Their primary function was to protect against witches and other enemies and for this purpose they were often placed on the wall near the roof supports in the interior of a dwelling.