The Yaka live in south-western Congo. The present Janus figure of the Yaka, called ‘khosi’, depicts a man and a woman, standing back to back. They are the progenitor parents and the clan founders of a chief’s clan and are kept in the house of a Yaka chief. They are ‘magically charged’ by the ‘nganga’ (priest, healer, soothsayer) in small cavities on their bodies, and they are called upon to protect the village community, yet also in situations which demand retribution and revenge for hardships experienced. This Janus figure ‘khosi’ is very carefully carved of hard wood, and coloured blackish-brown. Both figures stand back to back and are connected at the top through a cap with high middle ridge, as well as through an encircling, carved row of dots.
The ‘man’ on one side displays the characteristic, highly curving ‘Yaka nose’ on his face. A typical stylistic feature of the Yaka. The ‘woman’ on the other side has a ‘normal’ broad nose and is clearly recognisable by her breasts. Furthermore, both figures display clear Yaka faces: slit and recessed coffee bean eyes, protruding ears and a protruding mouth area. The arms lie bent against their bodies.
The sculptural problem of representing four legs (for two people) is solved in very original fashion here: two carved sideways lozenges represent the four short, bent legs and the four feet are only halfway completed, as if two of them had grown together at the heels. The ‘magical sacred power’ of this double figure is manifested in the two cavities between the broadly stylised hands. For the man, on his chest, while for the woman, on her abdomen. Here the ‘nganga’ (priest) once inserted some of his ‘magic material’ and sealed the rectangular holes with tree resin. Since both cavities are still sealed with old tree resin, the ‘magic material’ must still be contained within the interior of the Janus figure.
In addition this ‘khosi figure’ wears decorative binding of originally red fabric under the ‘hat’ above, around the neck and around its hips, as well as a once-red fabric skirt. Minimal remains of red colouring are also recognisable on the female side of the figure.
Overall, a very fine and interesting Yaka sculpture, with a few, slight cracks due to age and slight colour scuffing where the figure was often handled: on the ‘hat’, on the ‘Yaka nose’, the ears, and the upper arms. Otherwise it displays very good, old shiny patina. An inventory number, in white lettering, is visible on the feet below.
Height: 36 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: South African private collection.

Lit.: ‘100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture’ by Marc L. Felix, p. 195, ill. 14.