Miniature fetish
R. D. Congo, Bembe
n'est plus disponible
Taille
H: 9 cm
H: 3.5 inch
Description
wood, slightly shiny brown patina, conical base, carved with two nearly identical modelled mask faces arranged “back to back”, grassfibre cuff, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage (base), fine cracks, base;
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.