Cleveland Museum of Art

Half-Figure

Date

late 1800s–early 1900s

Medium

Wood and iron

Culture

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, probably Kusu-style maker

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Iron tacks inserted into the lobes of the hairdo indicate that this sculpture was originally empowered with magical and medicinal substances. Thus charged, the figure would have been used in divination and was related to a powerful association known as Bugabo. Members specialized in healing, hunting, and fighting crime. This figure would have been used in a powerful association known as Bugabo, specializing in healing, hunting, and fighting crime.

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