In Hemba-Kusu religious tradition from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the spiritual realm is governed by a creator god and a distinct supreme being. Ancestor veneration plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony within the community, with sacrifices and offerings regularly made at ancestral shrines.
When social balance is disturbed, religious leaders may call for specific offerings to appease displeased ancestors believed to be the source of misfortune. Among the most powerful ritual objects in Hemba culture is the kabeja, a rare and sacred statuette owned by each clan. This enigmatic figure, featuring a single body with two faces—one male and one female—symbolizes duality and the unity of ancestral forces.
The kabeja serves as a conduit between the living and the spirits, receiving sacrifices meant to restore order and divine favor. At its crown, a small receptacle is designed to hold potent ritual substances, enhancing its mystical power. Due to its sacred nature, handling a kabeja is considered perilous, as it embodies ancestral forces that must be approached with reverence and caution.
Documentation: Kabeja – Degrunne, 2012
The first kabeja ever published was illustrated in 1913 by Pierre Colle in Les Baluba, Tome 2, Planche 3, Ill. 45.
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