Twin Figure
late 19th or early 20th century
Luba
Arts of Africa
The Luba believe that twins, called "children of the moon," have supernatural powers and can be the harbingers of both good and evil. Twins must be honored and appeased through songs, prayers, blessings, and gifts made each month on the night of a new moon. Figures like this commemorate the spirit of a twin, and the insertion of an iron pin in the top of the head is intended to contain and channel the spirit within.
- Maker/Artist
- Luba
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Wood, glass beads, leather tongs, fiber, metal pins
- Locations
- Place made: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dimensions
- 7 7/8 x 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 in. (20 x 7 x 7 cm)
- Departments
- Arts of Africa
- Accession Number
- 22.815
- Credit Line
- Brooklyn Museum Collection
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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