HOLO, DRC

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This charming avian figure, known as kolokolo (woodpecker) or kwi (predator), was used by the Holo people as a protective object. According to François Neyt, they were domestic talismans placed in the interior of a house or erected on the roof and were thought to bring good fortune to the inhabitants.

The features of the present figure are rudimentary, in places almost without detail, allowing the geometric nature of the form to speak clearly. Anatomically the piece is quite anthropomorphic, showing humanoid legs, body posture, and the suggestion of a human throat. Some examples of this type are even carved with human ears.