African Arts Gallery

Within African tribal art every everyday object is transformed into a sculpted work of great refinement. The major role held by women in the political life of the kingdom is illustrated by the recurrence of the female motif in Luba art. Established between the Luvua River and Lake Kisalé, the Zela are today organized into four chiefdoms under the supervision of leaders of Luba origin. They venerate a primordial couple frequently represented in statuary, mythical ancestors, and dedicate offerings to the spirits of nature. This comb is surmounted by a protective effigy embodying a political and spiritual intermediary, a role played by women in Luba royalty. Her headdress, behind a wide band revealing a shaved forehead, evokes one of those worn by Luba women at the beginning of the 20th century. The body scarifications, in ears, are taken up on the edge of the object. Satin chocolate patina.