African Arts Gallery

This janiform sculpture with hollowed-out pupils, projected into large bleached cavities, is carried by a base evoking traditional African stools. This object is associated with the worship of the water spirit Kalunga , among the many spirits of nature revered by the Buyu. The Bembe have comparable statuettes. Satiny patina, desication cracks.
Fral flows have mixed Bembe, Lega, Buyu (Buye) or Boyo, Binji and Bangubangu, within the same territories. The Bassikassingo , considered by some to be a sub-clan Buyu , are not of bembe origin although they live on their territory, as Biebuyck's work has traced their history. Organized in lineages, they borrowed the association of the Bwami Lega. The traditions bembé and boyo are relatively similar They venerate the spirits of nature, water specifically among the Boyo, Buyu , but also heroic ancestors, whose will is sought through divinatory rites. Hunting is also an opportunity to make sacrifices of gratitude to entities that have been begged for favour and protection. Their masks are rare and their function little documented.