African art Beautiful Carved Janus Baton Hemba DR Congo - eBay, African, Cultural, Religious, Collectables. (end time 21-Dec-09 15:31:51 AEDST)

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Beautiful Carved Janus Ceremonial Baton, Hemba People, DR Congo

Hand carved from hardwood using nice attention to detail, this piece is a fine example of the art from the Hemba people. Adorned with beads and metal studs it dotted with bead decoration often used on diviner's memory boards. It is in very good condition with some missing bead decoration. I have been unable to find the exact use or description of the function of this piece but assume that it is used either as a status symbol for an elder or for divination. Although it is impossible to determine exact age I am confident that this piece is not recently carved and I estimate age to be last quarter of the 20th century.
It was collected in 2001 and has a very nice polished, darkened patina. It measures 37 x 10.5cm and is supplied with a custom made stand. (see pictures)
Shipping weight is 2kg

The Hemba are divided into large clans with a common ancestor. He renders justice and his status as clan head means that he has the privilege of receiving gifts.
The Hemba live mostly by farming manioc, sesame, yams and beans. Secret societies such as Bukananzi for the men and Bukibilo for the women counter balance the Fumu Mwalos power, who is the hereditary chief of each clan and the keeper of the ancestor figures.
Art often results from the elaboration of otherwise simple utilitarian objects. The Hemba attribute great importance to the kabeja, a Janus-shaped statuette, which has a single body but a double face, male and female, on a single neck. The Hemba attribute great importance to the kabeja, a Janus-shaped statuette, which has a single body but a double face, male and female, on a single neck. The Hemba attribute great importance to the kabeja, a Janus-shaped statuette, which has a single body but a double face, male and female, on a single neck.
When rendering justice or presiding over meetings, the chiefs sit on stools with caryatids, often female ones-a reference to the matrilinear status of the Hemba under Luba influence. Staffs are the emblems of the Chiefs of families or villages. The most beautiful ones feature a handle with geometric motifs or a little sculpted head.

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Since its inception in 1989 Sidewalk Gallery has become a renowned Tribal Arts Gallery. Specialising in Antique & Traditional African Sculpture representing more than 85 separate cultures collected from 26 countries across Africa.

Ethnic jewellery and other items of adornment , both antique & contemporary, from every continent continues to astound all who enter the gallery.
The collection is spectacular.

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