African Arts Gallery

Ex. French collection of African art .
Stool or small table Luba/Zela Kipona with caryatid.
A figure of a woman in a crouching position forms the "receptacle of a deceased sovereign leader" (Luba, Roberts). The hands support the central circular tray whose surface is glossy. The scarifications of the female figure, protruding, in spikes, surround the umbilicus, "center of the world" associated with lineage, and those of the lower abdomen which symbolize fertility. This stool called lupona or kioni or kipona, kiona constitutes the meeting point of the sovereign, his people, and the protective spirits and ancestors. It once formed the seat on which King Mulopwe of the Luba people was enthroned. Brilliant patina ranging from orange to black-brown. Desiccation cracks, abrasions, old restoration of the arms.