Prestige Stool
Item
-
Accession Number
-
2024.81.
-
Title
-
Prestige Stool
-
Ethnic Group
-
Luba
-
Subject
-
Object|Social Status|Central Africa
-
Country
-
Democratic Republic of the Congo
-
Date
-
Early 20th Century
-
Medium
-
Wood, metal sheet
-
Format
-
H x W x D: 19.49 in x 16.33 in x 14.96 in (49.5 cm x 41.5 cm x 38 cm)
-
Description
-
A prestige stool depicts two identical female figures with their arms raised and facing outward. Their prominently stylized breasts and scarification along their extended arms highlight the female body's vital role as a spiritual vessel that embodies divine kinship in Luba society. The artistic refinement of the female form through intricate skin decoration and hairstyle symbolizes the civilization and sophistication that Luba rulers promote within their community. Although it was designed as a stool, it has also been used as a sacred emblem stored in a king's palace.
-
Type
-
Prestige Stool
