Janus headed power figure "kalunga"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 378
87th Tribal Art AuctionJanus headed power figure "kalunga"
D. R. Congo, Bembe
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
H: 9.6 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, brown patina, red and white pigment, two nearly identical carved mask faces with large oval deepened eye-sockets, min. dam., cracks, small missing parts (base), traces of abrasion.
This sculpture represents "kalunga", an aquatic spirit. In order to counteract misfortunes inflicted on people by this spirit, the diviner prescribes the manufacture of this figurine, and the blood of sacrificially killed chickens spilled on it.
Biebuyck, Daniel P., Statuary from the pre-Bembe hunters, Tervuren 1981, p.152