Triple figure with ritual horn – symbol of power and complementarity

Title: Triple Figure with Ritual Horn – Symbol of Power and Complementarity

Population of Origin: Luba (with possible Hemba or Kusu influences)
Geographical Area: Central Africa – Democratic Republic of the Congo (Katanga or Kasai region)
Date: 20th century
Material: Carved wood; natural animal horn (probably goat); dark patina from ritual anointings
Dimensions: h. 62 x 25 x 26 cm
Original Function: Object intended for ritual and spiritual functions, probably kept by a healer-priest. The triple head expresses different levels of symbolic power: Total Vision, the three faces, oriented in different directions, indicate the ability to see every aspect of the spiritual and human world; – Gender Polarity, the coexistence of two female faces and one male face emphasizes the complementarity between man and woman, a cosmic foundation in Luba cultures; The centrality of cooperation between male power (visible, political) and female power (invisible, spiritual and mnemonic).