Janus Figure - Kabeja - Hemba - DR Congo

Hemba Kabeja Janus Figure.
DR Congo.

This kabeja makua figure beautifully illustrates the most rare and unique of the Hemba statuary. Although each clan was endowed with several ancestor effigies, the Janus figures, a personal possession of the chief, were unique to each lineage structure.

" Whether administering justice (kihona), making an offering to the ancestor (lusingiti), or making other offerings, these Janus kabeja were always present. [...] the Kabeja Makua is the fundamental object of the Hemba cult, including the cult of ancestors. "

- Neyt, La grande statuaire Hemba du Zaïre (The great Hemba statuary of Zaire), 1977, p. 483-484) -

Provenance:
Maximilian Christiaens private collection, Brussels, Belgium

Object type: kabeja janus figure
Tribe: Hemba
Material: wood
Height: 35 cm

The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.

Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.