Power figure "khosi" with janus head ·  R. D. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3035282

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, the armless body wrapped in fabric, which is filled with three magical packages, identical formed faces with accentuated nose-mouth part, typical head crest, slightly dam., paint rubbed off, socle;
“khosi” statuettes are the largest variety of freestanding sculpture throughout the region. These figures are paired with a separate bag of charm ingredients or consist of paired statuettes that may be freestandig, joined back to back, or a single statuette with janus face, arms and legs. Charm medicines are either sealed in the stomach portion or hang in pouches or antilope horn containers at the neck or waist. The essential ingredients of “khosi” charms include leaves and bark of giant trees of the forest. The statuette is kept within a special cabin or shelter in the compound of a headman or chief. Those inducted are given packets of “khosi” medicines to be kept in their own dwelling.

Littérature comparée

Bourgeois, Arthur P., Art of the Yaka and Suku, Paris 1984, p. 107