Luba Statue Of Congo

LUBA female statue in heavy and hard patinated wood height 33cm A twisted iron necklace around the neck, fibers planted in the ears, a remnant of loincloth as a sex cover, copper nails for the eyes Shiny patina in places caused by repeated handling. A pronounced crown-shaped headdress pierced around its circumference and forming a container at its top for offerings and or libations Female sex visible under the cover The female image predominates in LUBA art. Women were historically important political actors, as emissaries and ambassadors advisors. Women of the royal lineage married distant chiefs, thus extending the reach of power. In these roles, and in their capacities as spiritual mediums, women were essential in the balance of the authority of the kingdom The LUBA sculptors are renowned and particularly skillful for the royal court Provenance; Belgian collection and ex Pierre DARTEVELLE