Two faces look out in opposite directions from one carved head, one watching the visible world and one the unseen. This antique Luba janus power figure stands on flexed legs with both hands resting on a rounded belly, under a tall crested coiffure. Bundles wrapped in fiber and hide are bound at the shoulders, a strand of small shell beads hangs across the chest and a fringed cloth skirt circles the hips. The dark wood has a deep, rubbed patina and a reddish glow around the faces.

Janus figures of this kind come from the Luba and Hemba peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where double-faced figures were made as power objects for diviners and ritual specialists. The wrapped bundles held medicinal charges meant to activate the figure. At 30 inches tall, it holds a console, a pedestal or a bookshelf as a single dramatic sculpture, and it reads well from every side.

• Era: Antique
• Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo (Luba)
• Material: Carved wood, fiber, hide, cloth, shell beads
• Size: 10"(W) x 9"(D) x 30"(H)
• Color: Dark brown with red-brown patina
• Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Age cracks in the wood, worn patina and an aged cloth skirt.

This antique Luba janus power figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo is carved wood with two faces, a crested coiffure, wrapped medicine bundles at the shoulders, shell beads and a cloth skirt. It measures 10 inches wide, 9 inches deep and 30 inches tall. It works as a standalone sculpture on a console, pedestal or shelf.

Q: What is a janus power figure in Luba art?
A: A janus power figure has two faces looking in opposite directions, one toward the visible world and one toward the spirit world. Luba and Hemba diviners and ritual specialists used such figures, often fitted with medicinal bundles meant to activate them.

Q: How do you display a large African sculpture in a living room?
A: Give it a console, pedestal or shelf of its own at eye level, with plain wall space behind it so the carved outline stands out. A dark carved figure pairs well with pale plaster, warm wood and woven textures.

• **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.