Janus Head
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.38.
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Title
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Janus Head
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Ethnic Group
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Bembé
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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, white kaolin
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Format
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H x W x D: 11 1/4 in x 4 1/8 in x 2 1/8 in (28.575 cm x 10.478 cm x 5.398 cm)
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Description
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The Bembe Janus head symbolizes the Alunga mask. The Janus head has noticeable characteristics such as the double faced composition with large conical eyes. The eyes protrude from cross shapes of black, contrasting the white kaolin circles beneath them. Alunga is described as a spirit or force that can affect the living, specifically connected to hunting and the forest.
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Type
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Forest Spirit
