Rare fetish basket from the KUSU or Luba spectrum, DR Congo.

Rare complete object of the Kusu or Luba spectrum.

Very beautiful object! Tukula powder over the entire object, two protruding quills from a porcupine, a piece of mongoose fur on the back, wooden figure with bead chain and eyes made from old tacks, a piece of wild vanilla and a piece of shell from a wild freshwater oyster. The basket is made of sisal.

These objects are very rare! Normally the contents of these types of objects have disappeared or partially disappeared. This is complete and in a good condition.

This fetish basket has been used intensively. The usage was broad: could be to ask for a safe journey or a good harvest. But also, for example, a buyer for meat and fish who requested a successful trip. Each time it was used, a nganga (a type of shaman) was asked to give the object its power for the specific purpose.

( Interesting to add is that there are also Munkisi guardians who keep the power objects of theirs that are away for a longer time. And also they keep objects that the Nganga does not want to keep except for ritual because they are too powerful or dangerous for the other objects and people.

When people immigrate, these objects are there to represent the family and ancestors who ensure safety. This is taken very seriously.

Hoogte tot en met hoofdje: 15 cm
Hoogte met pen stekelvarken: 25 cm
Omvang mandje: 23 cm
Gewicht: 219 gram
Herkomst: DR Congo
Datering: 1920-30
Provenance: ex dhr de Vries Wassenaar.

Object is verkregen ca 2015 op de antiek markt de Biron in Parijs voor € 1750.