Janus-headed ritual figure of "bukota" society
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, camwood powder, a high-towering slender body, the faces nearly identical formed, raised scarification marks, slighly dam., paint rubbed off, minor missing parts, on base;
the Lengola are patrilineal and virilocal. The villages are made up of segmented lineages whose chief is the eldest member of the lineage. There is no organized state, and those in power are linked by the “bukota” society, the major social, religious, and legal institution in the area. The “bukota” society has many levels, with the highest members acting as judges and organizers for village ceremonies. The “bukota” ritual figures are used to ensure social stability and the prevention or treatment of illness. Accordingly they are manipulated by diviners/healers “mufumu”.