Bembe Alunga Janiform Carved Wood Head, Two Faces with Kaolin Eyes, DR Congo

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bembe. A carved palm wood janiform head representing the Alunga spirit, with a face on each side, set on a faceted, flaring neck. Each face has concave sockets whitened with kaolin and divided by a central vertical ridge, as the nose, with round projecting eyes and a recessed mouth. A raised crest frames each face, and the wood has a dark, worn patina. Alunga masks and related carvings are associated with the Kalunga, an all-male secret society of the Bembe dedicated to pacifying Alunga, a spirit of the forest. The large concave faces with round eyes are often read as an owl, a bird linked to sorcery and harmful night spirits, but also to wisdom and the power to perceive hidden forces. The two faces are interpreted as expressing its ability to reconcile opposing forces in nature, such as male and female or day and night. Double-faced carvings of this kind may have been kept as shrine objects. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 202923

Estimate:$400

View all items fromArtemis Fine ArtsorAsian Art