LUBA CARVED WOOD FEMALE BOWL-BEARING FIGURE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Democratic Republic of the Congo. A carved wooden female figure stands with both arms raised, supporting a small bowl or vessel above her head. The figure has a rounded head, arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, pronounced breasts and abdomen, and a simplified elongated body. These bowl-bearing female figures symbolize divination, royal authority, spirit mediation, and the role of women in preserving lineage and sacred knowledge. Dimensions are approximately 19.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches Surface wear throughout includes stains, accretive residue, discoloration, scattered scratches, abrasions, and areas of dryness to the wood. There is a 4” crack on the left side of the face, with two additional fine cracks about 1” nearby. A 3” crack is on the front torso, and a 5”vertical crack runs down the center back. The right ankle has a 3.5” crack. There are chips on the center rear/buttock area and the side of the torso. The bowl has a 1/2” crack and a chip on the brim.

1413512

Special Collections - Downstairs

Price: $300