[Untitled]
Item
Accession Number
2024.8.
Subject
Figure|Ritual|Central Africa
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Patinated wood, raffia, kaolin
Format
H x W x D: 18 in x 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in (45.72 cm x 21.59 cm x 13.97 cm)
Description
The two headed figure has clear motifs of the Songye style, such as the bulging forehead, narrow eyes, jutting chin and angular posture. The janiform statue is a Nkishi power figure, used to for protection and healing. In the center of the chest, a female kifwebe mask can be seen painted with white and black kaolin. The presence of the kifwebe mask suggests that the power figure may also be used for funerary, initiation or fertility purposes as well.
Type
Nkishi Power Figure
Conforms To
Songye