Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1046 - African Wooden Ceremonial Implement / Club with a 'Janus' Back to Back Male / Female Figure

This specimen consists of a moderately sized shaft that turns back acutely to form a beaked point and upon which is standing an integral (carved from the same piece of wood) figure with female features facing the point and male features facing back. Possibly for a fertility dance or ritual, the style of the carving suggests Central or West Africa; this item is not new, but probably 20th century. The Janus back-to-back figure stands about 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall. From the back, the pointed 'beak' is about 6 inches (15.5 cm) long and overall length is about 28 inches (71 cm). Carving work marks may be noted throughout and the wood grain is coarse and raised in places. Tiny scattered holes suggest insect damage to the original wood stock. This item weighs about 19¾ ounces (560 grams).


African Wooden Ceremonial Implement / Club with a 'Janus' Back to Back Male / Female Figure

African Wooden Ceremonial Implement / Club with a 'Janus' Back to Back Male / Female Figure

African Wooden Ceremonial Implement / Club with a 'Janus' Back to Back Male / Female Figure

African Wooden Ceremonial Implement / Club with a 'Janus' Back to Back Male / Female Figure



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