African Arts Gallery

Luba comb (N° 22210) Seposit sale

In African tribal art any everyday object can become an artistic support. The decorative aspect of an object is indeed never its intrinsic function. In African art, any everyday object can be transformed into a masterpiece while retaining its usefulness. 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. The latter, which stood out for its prestige and quality, therefore greatly influenced the neighboring groups. This comb is surmounted by a protective effigy embodying a woman of Luba royalty, a political and spiritual intermediary. 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. Her gesture is a way of indicating that the secrets of royalty (the bizila) are held by women.
Height on base: 29 cm.