Kongo peoples, Mayombe region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
19th century
Ivory, wood, metal, ceramic
78.7 x 12.7 x 19 cm (31 x 5 x 7 1/2 in.)
2005-6-32, gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (cat. no. 79)
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Originally the finial for a wooden staff, this animal-headed figure (perhaps canine) may represent a ritual leader's search for hidden knowledge. In Kongo belief, the dog symbolizes a hunter of spiritual forces. The pose with fingers over stomach is assumed by the ritual leader when questioning individuals about wrongdoing or a problem. The bared teeth confront evil. The inlaid eyes refer to the ability to see into the spirit world, while the cowrie shell necklace symbolizes the power to cross between this world and the next. All these powers are, however, balanced by the kneeling posture, a gesture of humility and respect.
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