Katanda female figure in wood, composed of an almost round head, with an extremely sober face: lack of eyes, a pointed nose in great evidence and an enormous squared and empty opening that forms the mouth. A strip of red cloth is wrapped around her neck. Her body is a trapezoidal sail, without arms and covered in holes. Her legs are short, almost tubular, separated from each other and ending in elephant paws.
This figure accompanies a ceremony reserved for women only. The figure is an anthropomorphized mat full of holes as if it had been destroyed by red ants.
'The presence of this figurine in the women's initiation rite - writes Clementine Faik - has the purpose of reminding women of their duty and responsibility, and also of the serious consequences deriving from their misconduct'.
It comes from Lokando (Shabunda).
