Hemba fetish, Kabeja Makua, Niembo Style, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early 20th century

A magnificent statue from the Hemba tribe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These Janus-faced statues (depicting both a male and a female) symbolize the founding ancestral couple. They are used during sacrifices or offerings to honor spirits and are handled exclusively by the clan chief within a strict ritual context. The top of the head features a cavity designed to hold magical substances (a mixture of sacred, sacrificial, or divinatory elements). Several styles of this type of sculpture have been identified based on geographic origin within Hemba territory; this piece belongs to the stylistic group of the Niembo area. The work displays a beautiful overall harmony, featuring distinctive, finely carved faces—executed in a very pure style—and a rich, glossy, dark-brown patina resulting from long-term ritual use. It also shows significant wear on the arms.

Mounted on a black metal base. Provenance: a Parisian gallery; previously from a private collection.

Dimensions: 26 x 14 cm (22 cm excluding base)

Good condition; losses to the lower section.