Janusheaded ritual implement
D. R. Congo, Basikasingo
Vendu
1 600 €
Provenance
Edi Remondino, Bajumbura, BurundiToni Dähler, Basel, Switzerland
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Taille
H: 26 cm
H: 10.2 inch
Description
wood, red pigment, kaolin, sacrificial traces, a long conical neck carved with two identical bearded faces, face halves dyed in different colours, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
the sculpture presumably represents “kalunga”, one of the aquatic spirits “miha”. The creation of such a figure was ordered by the soothsayer in order to counteract misfortune, which the spirit might inflict on the people. “Miha” received ritual chicken sacrifices to keep him well-disposed.