Biebuyck (1973, pp.179, 220, 221) relates that multifaced figures may be carved of wood, bone or ivory, and owned individually or held in initiation baskets. It is generally known as "Mr. Many-Heads" or he who "has seen an elephant on the other side of the large river". This aphorism is brought to bear as the wisdom, fairness, and omniscience of the initiate. But the figurine may also mean that one should not contradict a member of the kindi grade, or talk behind his back. Cf. another multi-headed figure by the same hand from the collections of Jef Vander Straete and J. Cambier (Sotheby's, 29 November 1993, lot 155)