Wooden Figure with Buffalo Helmet - Holo People, Northern Angola/Southern D.R.Congo

It is said to be a magic figure mvunzi, which protects humans against certain evil spirits.
The main diviner usually possesses such mvunzi, who employs them in cases of sickness, or for the hunt.
This figure was used by a traditional healer of the Tulamba segment of Holo society to manipulate the supernatural power. It bears a buffalo helmet mask at the top of the head, similar to masks used by this group.
The squatting/half bent legs pose is ubiquitous in the Kwango-Kwili Rivers area among such nearby peoples as the Yaka, Suku & Chokwe.

Collected by Peter Loebarth, a West German mining engineer stationed in Zaire in the 1960’s to 1970’s. Mr. Loebarth specialized in collecting Holo art, Hamelin Germany. Acquired by Robert Berg (Professor of Art, San Diego State University) in the late 70’s. Subsequently sold to Bill Schneider, 1979, and from the collection of Valerie Barnard Webster.
See included letter from Bill Schneider that he wrote upon selling the piece in 1994 ( for $2400)

This male figure has an elongated torso, slightly bent, legs, thick, simplified feet, oval face, and a dome shaped coiffure, topped by a buffalo helmet mask. It has a fine aged patina with some encrustations..

Height: 14” Width: 3 1/2” Depth: 3”
Mounted on a metal base.