Scepter Of Authority, Luba-tabwa People, Drc

A scepter with a pointed handle surmounted by a finely crafted parallelepiped of small lozenges. Above, a standing female figure is depicted. Her hands rest on her shoulders, forming a soft, rounded line. Her prominent navel is framed by scarifications forming a lozenge. Her breasts are also scarified. Her face is delicate, beautiful, proud, and symmetrical. A very fine openwork headdress crowns her head. These scepters of authority are rare objects. Indeed, Burton writes, "Each chieftaincy venerates a number of regalia considered the very expression of the community's identity. (...) These objects are of such importance that few people have the right to see them, although no one is unaware of their existence." In the book "Luba," François Neyt writes about these objects, "Their symbolic value was once such that everyone was prepared to risk their life to prevent this symbol from falling into the hands of the enemy." A. Maesen reports that after the battle, the chief's first wife would plant the scepter among the fallen as a sign of victory. A photograph from the same book, showing the top of a Luba-Tabwa scepter, is attached.
These scepters could have other uses, notably for certain religious ceremonies or for divination.
This object is rare and possesses great aesthetic quality.
Wood with a patina from use, fabric.
Height: 62 cm.
Luba-Tabwa people, DRC
First half of the 20th century.
Provenance: Dr. Dintroz collection.