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Rare Kalunga Kisumbi BEMBE two-headed figure Janus African Tribal Art MC 1880

Description

Title: Rare Kalunga Kisumbi BEMBE two-headed figure Janus African Tribal Art MC 1880

Description: CONGO RDC

Rare KALUNGA - KISUMBI BEMBE Figure

Janiform and two-tone sculpture

This one, of large size (31cm) has the particularity of being on a stool and can therefore also be described as a Kisumbi (symbol of stability), rare pieces among the Lega and the Bembe, reserved for the highest grades of the Bwamè (safiannikoff)

The Janiform Kalunga sculptures represent Alunga, a descendant of the founding ancestor of the tribe, wearer of the large helmet mask well known under the same name..... Name also borne by their initiation society (Biebuyck)

The Bembe are based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, north of Lake Tanganyika. (Do not confuse them with the Beembe who sometimes also spell Bembe and who are a people of the Kongo group)

They see themselves as the descendants of the Lega of which they are culturally close. The Bwamé of the Bembe has much in common with the Bwami of the Lega
At the same time, they have other secret associations such as Elunda and Alunga, whose mask helmets are well known by Congo art lovers.

Characteristics:

TYPE OF OBJECT: Amulet, charm

ETHNICAL GROUP: Bembe or Pre-Bembe

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic Congo

(ex Zaïre, ex Belgian Congo).

MATERIAL: Wood.

DIMENSIONS: About 12 1/4 inches high (31 cm)

CONDITION: Medium

Please have a look on pictures.

Reserve: $600.00

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Location: This item ships from Belgium

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Rare Kalunga Kisumbi BEMBE two-headed figure Janus African Tribal Art MC 1880

Lot 0128

Estimate $700-$800

Bidding starts Mar 24, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT

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$300

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