A typical Kusu power figure from eastern Congo. In the form of a human half figure, with a simple stylised face with coffee bean eyes, short nose and closed mouth, straight, square shoulders, slightly bent arms and a round base, broadening out into a cone shape. Carved from hard wood and dyed black.
A Kusu priest, soothsayer or healer (called ‘nganga’) would then construct a net made of twisted, woven fibre strings. The ‘nganga’ would then fill this net ball with ‘magic material’ (soil, stones, plants, fabric etc.), attach the ball to the head of the power figure and ceremonially ‘consecrate’ it. Now the power figure, with its ‘consecrated’ ball, can exude its own individual power to protect its owner, grant him a bountiful hunt, or give him good health.
The Kusu power figure is old and has an attractive, partly shiny patina all over (including on the ball) as a result of long-term use. Only a hairline crack due to age on the left half of the face and a small, old piece of damage to the base. Otherwise, no damage.
Originally power figures such as this had an iron spike affixed to their round base which was then inserted into the ground to enable the figure to stand upright securely. The present figure has a hole for this iron spike, but the spike itself is missing.
Height: 26 cm. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Private Collection of Prof. Dr. Rudolf Leopold, Vienna.

Lit.: ‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 163, ill. C; ‘100 peoples of Zaire and their sculpture’ by Marc. L. Felix, p. 67, ill. 8.