Lega Kakulu Ka M'pito figure
This statue represents Kakulu Ka Mpito, the little-old-man-with-the-hat-Mpito, died at dawn. At the time the statue was revealed, it was used in conjunction with another crudely carved figure representing Kamukobania, the little agitator. "The pieces of bananas cut by the small agitator caused the death of Kakulu Ka Mpito". Two collectors each carrying a statue came out of the initiation house, chased each other and finally placed the statues back to back on the floor. The significance of this is that the patriarch initiate, wearing a monkey-skin headdress (as very old initiates were wont to do), took part in a drinking party organised by Mukobania, the discordant. Kakulu was the victim of his reckless action. Remarks emphasise the fact that an insider does not travel early in the morning, is well informed and is very cautious about going to a place to which he has been invited.
The text also refers to the prohibition of drinking beer during initiations. The appearance of this figurine gave rise to a discussion among high-ranking Kindi. Some exegetes claimed that it was Kakulu Ka Mpita or Mpindo and not Kakulu Ka Mpito who was represented. Mpita is a concept related to the ritual pollution caused by the adulterous behaviour of a pregnant wife. This behaviour had magically caused the death of her husband, and was also blamed for the death of a parturient or for congenital malformations.
01350
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 24,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, animal skin, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
Customers who bought this product also bought:
This statue represents Kakulu Ka Mpito, the little-old-man-with-the-hat-Mpito, died at dawn. At the time the statue was revealed, it was used in conjunction with another crudely carved figure representing Kamukobania, the little agitator. "The pieces of bananas cut by the small agitator caused the death of Kakulu Ka Mpito". Two collectors each carrying a statue came out of the initiation house, chased each other and finally placed the statues back to back on the floor. The significance of this is that the patriarch initiate, wearing a monkey-skin headdress (as very old initiates were wont to do), took part in a drinking party organised by Mukobania, the discordant. Kakulu was the victim of his reckless action. Remarks emphasise the fact that an insider does not travel early in the morning, is well informed and is very cautious about going to a place to which he has been invited.
The text also refers to the prohibition of drinking beer during initiations. The appearance of this figurine gave rise to a discussion among high-ranking Kindi. Some exegetes claimed that it was Kakulu Ka Mpita or Mpindo and not Kakulu Ka Mpito who was represented. Mpita is a concept related to the ritual pollution caused by the adulterous behaviour of a pregnant wife. This behaviour had magically caused the death of her husband, and was also blamed for the death of a parturient or for congenital malformations.