Hemba Janus (Kabeja) Statue - DRC Early 20th Century

Rodwell and Astor

Hemba Janus (Kabeja) Statue - DRC Early 20th Century

Name: Hemba Janus (Kabeja) Statue - DRC Early 20th Century
Brand: Rodwell and Astor
SKU: RAC-HEMB-JAN01
Price: 345.00 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

Rare Find

$345.00

Out of stock

Janus Hemba statues are rare, double-faced ritual figures from the Hemba people of Central Africa. Inspired by the mythological Janus, they feature forward- and backward-facing faces, symbolising duality and ancestral presence.

Primarily used in ancestral worship and housed in shrines, these statues played key roles in ceremonies honouring ancestors and promoting communal prosperity. Created for spiritual, not commercial, purposes, they were passed down through generations.

Condition: This early Hemba statue shows many sighs of prolonged use as well as significant age. Signs of past wood worm and large loss to base. Newly mounted on an acrylic base for stability. Please refer closely to all of the images provided.

Recently waxed to nourish the wood giving a dark appearance that will dull over time.

Highly valued by collectors, Janus Hemba figures are prized for both their artistic beauty and deep cultural significance.

Date: Late 19th–Early 20th century

Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Culture: Hemba peoples

Medium: Wood & Acrylic Mount

Dimensions: H42 x D15 x W11cm (Acrylic Base 15.5 x 15.5cm)

Classification: Wood-Sculpture

Shipping & Lead Times

All Vintage items are shipped next working day. In an effort to tread a little lightly on this planet, we carefully package your item using a combination of new and recycled packaging materials. We understand that this item may be a one off item that is difficult to replace, so we take the utmost care in wrapping.

Rodwell and Astor requires a street for all deliveries, unfortunately we do not deliver to PO boxes unless prior shipping arrangements have been made with us. Deliveries are only door to door and not brought into the premise unless stated otherwise. 
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We check all orders thoroughly prior to notification that your goods are ready for collection, however we encourage all pick ups to be checked at the time of collection. Collection of orders is the bearers responsibility and damage claims will not be accepted.