African Arts Gallery

Belgian African art collection.
African tribal art proves to us once again that any everyday object can become an artistic medium. The decorative aspect of an object is never its intrinsic function. In African art, any everyday object can be transformed into a masterpiece while retaining its usefulness. The major role played by women in the political life of the kingdom is illustrated by the recurrence of the feminine motif in Luba art. The latter, which stood out for its prestige and quality, therefore greatly influenced neighboring groups. This comb is carved with a protective effigy embodying a political and spiritual intermediary, a role held by women in Luba royalty. Her headdress, behind a wide headband revealing a shaved forehead, evokes one of those worn by Luba women at the beginning of the 20th century. The secrets of royalty (the bizila) were held by women thanks to their role as political and spiritual intermediaries. Brown patient, small accidents.