Luba pendant
Women in Luba african art
A small wooden statue of a woman to be worn as a pendant, with rich patina and exquisite carving. The head is elongated in shape due to the conical shaped coiffure to the back which is held in place by a headband. To the top of the head is an integral suspension loop. The face is round with arching brows, half closed lentoid shaped eyes set in deep sockets, a small, wedge shaped nose, and a mouth that is partly open. The short neck rests on wide shoulders and the body is squat with prominent breasts, distended navel, and swollen stomach with triangular shaped scarification mark. The arms hang to the sides with the hands resting on the thighs. The feet rest on an oal base.
The Luba are renowned for their beautiful statues and this miniature masterpiece derives from those artistic traditions. The majority of Luba pendants are carved from ivory, making this wooden example quite rare. They always depict women, most often shown as being pregnant, and they were most likely worn by women seeking to get pregnant. The figurine amulets most probably depict a female ancestor who was called upon for not only the gift of fertility, but also to protect during the pregnancy and birth.
01397
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 12 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Women in Luba african art
A small wooden statue of a woman to be worn as a pendant, with rich patina and exquisite carving. The head is elongated in shape due to the conical shaped coiffure to the back which is held in place by a headband. To the top of the head is an integral suspension loop. The face is round with arching brows, half closed lentoid shaped eyes set in deep sockets, a small, wedge shaped nose, and a mouth that is partly open. The short neck rests on wide shoulders and the body is squat with prominent breasts, distended navel, and swollen stomach with triangular shaped scarification mark. The arms hang to the sides with the hands resting on the thighs. The feet rest on an oal base.
The Luba are renowned for their beautiful statues and this miniature masterpiece derives from those artistic traditions. The majority of Luba pendants are carved from ivory, making this wooden example quite rare. They always depict women, most often shown as being pregnant, and they were most likely worn by women seeking to get pregnant. The figurine amulets most probably depict a female ancestor who was called upon for not only the gift of fertility, but also to protect during the pregnancy and birth.