Statue Kabeja Makua, Hemba, Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Janus statuette representing on both sides a man and a woman back-to-back and linked together by a common trunk. The pose of the two representations is identical. The common cap is conical. At the top there remains a hole containing the magical charge. The neck and shoulders are joint and the hands are placed on the abdomen. The whole thing rests on a round base. These statuettes are called "Kabeja". They represent the founding couple of each clan. They belonged to the chiefs who had only one. The powers of the "Kabeja" are considered immense and their role was considerable. They took part in all important ceremonies and could take part in court decisions. Wood with a beautiful patina of use. Missing on the base and on one hand and one ear.
Hemba or Luba-Hemba people, Democratic Republic of Congo
H: 10.5 cm
Mid 20th century