Power figure "phuungu" ·  R. D. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3039181

Description

wood, brown patina, the body entirely wrapped in a spherical package filled with magical mass, drilled holes in both ears, encrustations with clay-like mass, abrasion of paint;
a “phuungu” is owned by the head of a patrilineal kin group and may pass from father to son. Its primary function is to protect against witches and other enemies and for this purpose it is often positioned on the wall near the roof supports in the interior of a dwelling.