Power half figure "kakudij" ·  R. D. Congo, Kusu · ID: 3040843

Description

wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, string of glass beads, simple forms symmetrically arranged, head with slanting eyes and long projecting chin beard, cavity in the head filled with magical ingredients and closed with a piece of cloth, slightly dam., minor missing parts (bottom front side), cracks, base;
the Kusu came from the northwest together with the Nkutshu and Tetela. They branched off, passing through Luba, Hemba, and Songye territories. They picked up customs and incorporated other groups on the way. Considering the abundance of carvings from most Lubaized cultures, the Kusu have not sculpted very much. Their typology is limited. The “kakudji” half figures seem to be Kasongo influenced, but the Kasongo are probably an isolated clan of Kusu origin. The cavity for insertion of magical ingredients reminds of the Songe.