Female Figure with Medicinal Charge (Musinju)

The bundle on top of the head of this figure contains magical ingredients meant to draw a spirit into the image, to assist its owner with tasks such as divination. The glossy surface comes from rubbing with palm oil.

• Artist: Kasongo (Culture)
• Medium: Wood, metal, resin
• Geographical Location: Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th century
• Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 2 in. (21.6 x 6.4 x 5.1 cm)
• Collection: Arts of Africa
• Museum Location: Brooklyn Museum, BMA, 5H2, 1C
• Accession Number: 22.817
• Image: 22.817_SL1_edited_version.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 0,

Catalogue Description:
Female figure. Object carried on head. Holes on either side of the head suggest that it was used as a pendant. Covered with heavy coat of sticky oil. Will probably continue to exude oil to some extent even when some is removed by conservators. Condition: Good