Luba headrest
Women in African art Luba
The female figure is widely represented in the traditional art of the Baluba, whose kingdoms flourished in Central Africa from the 17th to the 19th century. Luba women held important positions in society: priestesses, political advisers, ambassadors in addition to wives and mothers.
Witchcraft was not reserved for men, which is why they could also have a role of spiritual mediums for deceased men.
Thus, female representations appear on many sculpted objects: the prestigious Lupona stool, Lukasa memorial tablets, scepter, arrow holders, and, as seen here, the neckrests mainly used as pillows on which to sleep while preserving the intricate hairstyles that can be seen in the attached photo.
The pair of caryatids supporting the seat seen on this piece may represent Mbudye priestesses.
See attached photo of a Luba chief holding a small caryatid neckrest in her hand.
Cf. Luba Hemba - Werke unbekannter Meister
01421
Data sheet
- Size
- 15,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Women in African art Luba
The female figure is widely represented in the traditional art of the Baluba, whose kingdoms flourished in Central Africa from the 17th to the 19th century. Luba women held important positions in society: priestesses, political advisers, ambassadors in addition to wives and mothers.
Witchcraft was not reserved for men, which is why they could also have a role of spiritual mediums for deceased men.
Thus, female representations appear on many sculpted objects: the prestigious Lupona stool, Lukasa memorial tablets, scepter, arrow holders, and, as seen here, the neckrests mainly used as pillows on which to sleep while preserving the intricate hairstyles that can be seen in the attached photo.
The pair of caryatids supporting the seat seen on this piece may represent Mbudye priestesses.
See attached photo of a Luba chief holding a small caryatid neckrest in her hand.
Cf. Luba Hemba - Werke unbekannter Meister