[Untitled]

Item

Accession Number

2024.47.

Subject

Figure|Ritual|Central Africa

Country

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Date

Early 20th Century

Medium

Patinated wood

Format

H x W x D: 10 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in (26.67 cm x 6.35 cm x 6.35 cm)

Description

Standing, wooden female figure with clear characteristics of the Luba style, such as the highly polished wooden surface, broad and round forehead, and thinly inceside facial features. The figure may be a standing Mboko, or diviner. The Mboko were used during ceremonies regarding the induction of a new chief. Natural materials of medicinal value would be packed within the figure, as to the Luba, women were believed to have a strong connection to the spirit world.

Type

Female Figurine

Conforms To

Luba

Item sets