Fragment of a ritual staff of the "khimba" initiation society ·  R. D. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3040234

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of pigments, in form of a seated female figure with flat headgear, holding a stick behind the neck, originally consisting of two back to back figures, min. dam., missing parts, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the grip sticks behind their necks, referring to those used during initiation rites to beat the initiates. The initiates later used them as dance sticks during the concluding ceremonies. They are kept as symbols of their endurance and adult status.