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Between and Mortarboard

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3 UMMA Objects
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This double-faced sculpture has been carved from semihard wood. The male is distinguished by the beard, formed by a double row of small triangles. The female, which faces the opposite direction, shares a neck and trunk with her male counterpart. The heads are disproportionately large and both faces are ovoid-shaped, with a wide convex forehead and broad features. Their coiffures converge to form a single cone composed by stratified, semi-circular rings. A cavity on the top of the coiffure likely held medicinal substances, imbuing the figure with power. The male and female each have sharply protruding bellies, marked with round umbilici.  Both possess two sets of arms, which are detached from the body and situated on either side of their respective abdomens. Three of the four feet have broken off. The encrusted surface of the <em>kabeja</em> reveals that it was once the recipient of libational offerings.   
Hemba (Hemba (culture or style))
Power Figure
1865 – 1875
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.226
This janus, or double-faced carved wooden bust, is characteristic of the eastern Luba style, also known as the Luba-Hemba style. The elongated, ovoid-shaped faces, thin, long noses, and eyes surrounded by ocular cavities are traits typically seen in Hemba figural work.  The motifs on the temples and forehead and the intricate geometric designs decorating the head depict actual Luba scarifications. Both faces closely resemble each other and feature long beards. A round cup sits atop the large, convex head; this cup conceals a cavity in the crown, allowing medicinal substances to be held inside.  Wrapped around the bust’s long neck is a piece of brown cloth that has been held in place by a cord. A hook has been attached to this cord allowing the object to hang undisturbed in order to safeguard it when not in use.
Luba (Luba (culture or style))
Double-Faced Power Figure
1895 – 1905
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.213
This carved, wooden staff features an anthropomorphic, janiform finial, a smooth midsection, and a spiked base. The two opposing figures are a pair of pregnant women, both of whom have their hands placed upon their protruding bellies. Their facial features share a close resemblance to one another: they have small eyes set in almond-shaped ocular cavities, finely-detailed coiffures, and vertical lines running down their cheeks.  
Nsapo (Nsapo)
Staff
1900 – 1950
Gift of Margaret H. and Albert J. Coudron
2001/2.21
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