Figure masculine debout "mukuya" ·  R. D. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3041783

Description

wood, partly shiny brown patina, paint remains, raised scarification marks, eyes with white porcelain inlay, both hands holding a rattle, drilled hole (crypto fetish), min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
the opening was used by the “nganga” to give vital force to the figure, afterwards it was filled with magical material and then closed with a piece of fabric or a plug. As long as the spirit stayed within the statue, it watched over his descendants and punished contempts against customs and rules.

Publications

AHDRC: 00128074