Janiform magical figure "kabeja" ·  R. D. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3038156

Description

wood, partly encrusted brown patina, male and female half figure, arranged back to back, a massive neck supporting a janus head crowned by a conical shaped coiffure, min. dam., missing parts (base), fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
“kabeja” figures are seen as visual icon of the primordial couple, the founders of the society. They are owned by the clan head known as the “fumu mwela”. “Kabeja” figures are presented at clan meetings led by the chief. They were used by individuals for multiple purposes: to ensure good relationship with primordial ancestors, to bring fertility and to protect against evil forces.

Littérature comparée

Roberts, Mary Nooter, Memory, New York 1996, ill. 103