Two Headed Figure
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.8.
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Title
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Two Headed Figure
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Ethnic Group
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Songye
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Subject
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Figure|Ritual|Central Africa
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Country
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Patinated wood, raffia, kaolin
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Format
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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)
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Description
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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.
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Type
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Nkishi Power Figure
