Janus-faced head

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (one of the faces, head), cracks;
a work of the same artist is pictured in the exhibition catalogue of the Collection W. and R. Arnett, ill. 64.
Such heads are thought to act as guardian or protective spirits, similar in function to the miniature “ma” masks. They are also said to be greatly feared objects which, when used by judges, guarantee that order will be kept and truth will be spoken.

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Littérature comparée

African Art, The West Guinea Coast, An exhibition of African Art from the Collection of William and Robert Arnett, Decatur 1975, ill. 63 f.

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