This piece was photographed and included in the article by Arthur Bourgeois entitled Khosi Sculpture among the Yaka and their Neighbors, which appeared in the Winter 2003 issue of Tribal Arts Magazine.
The Khosi is concerned with cursing and healing, and means “lion” or “ strong”. Northern Yaka khosi are typically double figures joined back to back, with janus-face, torso arms and legs. The sculpture does not exhibit any aggression and with their downcast eyes and tight gestures they belie their fearsome attributes. The Janus-form figure references basic social duality and also signifies an all-seeing capacity and general alertness of the power symbolized.
Ex. Leonard Kahan Gallery, New York, and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.
Height: 14 ¼"
Height including base: 15"
Width: 3 ¾"
Depth: 4"
Base dimensions: 7 ¼" x 7 ¼"
Exhibited in "The Art of the Yaka and Suku" at the QCC Art Gallery/CUNY November 17, 2022 - March 21, 2023.
