Janus-headed, large-bladed African knife

Ian · 23rd June 2024, 04:29 PM

Hi Yuri,
Janus (Ianus) is a really odd god in Roman mythology. The god of the beginning and end; the god of passageways, gateways, doorways, and arches; the controller of who enters and leaves; the guardian of access to other gods; the determiner of victor and vanquished in war. Janus was the first god a Roman prayed to, because he provided an entrée to all the other gods.
Depiction of Janus was usually with two heads (Ianus Bifolios) or sometimes four heads (Ianus Quatrofolios). The heads were usually of the same individual, but of different ages (the young and the elderly, symbolizing the coming and going), or with different facial expressions. This can be seen in statuary, jewellery, and coinage.
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Edster · 23rd June 2024, 08:50 PM

Ian,

A MET head dress is IDed as Janus and said is "Headdresses covered with leather are made by many different peoples living in villages along the Cross River and in Cameroon.

Another site says Ejagham/Ekoi people in lower Nigeria and western Cameroon,

Here's the link with pic:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collec...0in%20Cameroon.

Regards,
Ed

Ian · 24th June 2024, 04:34 AM

Thanks Ed. I will check these out.
Ian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edster

Ian,

A MET head dress is IDed as Janus and said is "Headdresses covered with leather are made by many different peoples living in villages along the Cross River and in Cameroon.

Another site says Ejagham/Ekoi people in lower Nigeria and western Cameroon,

Here's the link with pic:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collec...0in%20Cameroon.

Regards,
Ed

23rd June 2024, 04:29 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,096	Hi Yuri, Janus (Ianus) is a really odd god in Roman mythology. The god of the beginning and end; the god of passageways, gateways, doorways, and arches; the controller of who enters and leaves; the guardian of access to other gods; the determiner of victor and vanquished in war. Janus was the first god a Roman prayed to, because he provided an entrée to all the other gods. Depiction of Janus was usually with two heads (Ianus Bifolios) or sometimes four heads (Ianus Quatrofolios). The heads were usually of the same individual, but of different ages (the young and the elderly, symbolizing the coming and going), or with different facial expressions. This can be seen in statuary, jewellery, and coinage. . Attached Images

23rd June 2024, 08:50 PM	#2
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 406	Ian, A MET head dress is IDed as Janus and said is "Headdresses covered with leather are made by many different peoples living in villages along the Cross River and in Cameroon. Another site says Ejagham/Ekoi people in lower Nigeria and western Cameroon, Here's the link with pic: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collec...0in%20Cameroon. Regards, Ed