Majestic Oliphant Luba D.R. Congo
"Majestic Oliphants"
Luba: Power and Refinement
Oliphants are ritual objects used by the Luba people, an ethnic community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These objects are richly decorated and considered symbols of prestige and power.
Oliphants are used for important ceremonies and rituals within Luba society. They are associated with chiefs and members of the elite, serving to underline their status and authority.
These objects are carved with great precision and decorated with complex motifs, often depicting scenes from daily life, important figures, fertility symbols or elements linked to Luba spiritual beliefs. The sculptures are made by specialist artists who have mastered traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation.
During ceremonies, Oliphants are often used to emit powerful and distinctive sounds, usually through a metal mouthpiece attached to the horn. These sounds can be used to announce the arrival of a chief, to mark key moments in rituals or to attract attention at community gatherings.
In addition to their ritual use, Oliphants also play a social and political role within Luba society. They are sometimes used as diplomatic gifts to seal alliances or honour important figures. Oliphants are also valued as works of art, and are collected by enthusiasts and museums around the world for their beauty and cultural significance.
These precious objects represent the power, prestige and cultural identity of the Luba community, as well as bearing witness to the region's exceptional art.
02253
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 28 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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"Majestic Oliphants"
Luba: Power and Refinement
Oliphants are ritual objects used by the Luba people, an ethnic community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These objects are richly decorated and considered symbols of prestige and power.
Oliphants are used for important ceremonies and rituals within Luba society. They are associated with chiefs and members of the elite, serving to underline their status and authority.
These objects are carved with great precision and decorated with complex motifs, often depicting scenes from daily life, important figures, fertility symbols or elements linked to Luba spiritual beliefs. The sculptures are made by specialist artists who have mastered traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation.
During ceremonies, Oliphants are often used to emit powerful and distinctive sounds, usually through a metal mouthpiece attached to the horn. These sounds can be used to announce the arrival of a chief, to mark key moments in rituals or to attract attention at community gatherings.
In addition to their ritual use, Oliphants also play a social and political role within Luba society. They are sometimes used as diplomatic gifts to seal alliances or honour important figures. Oliphants are also valued as works of art, and are collected by enthusiasts and museums around the world for their beauty and cultural significance.
These precious objects represent the power, prestige and cultural identity of the Luba community, as well as bearing witness to the region's exceptional art.