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Aix Enchères et Expertises
223
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Luba cup-bearer, Democratic Republic of the Congo, wood, H.
See original version (French)
223
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Luba cup-bearer, Democratic Republic of the Congo, wood, H.
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €500
Voluntary lot
Description
Luba cup-bearer, Democratic Republic of the Congo, wood, H. 37 cm × W. 18 cm. The cup-bearer, sometimes referred to as the ‘beggar’, is a traditional motif found, in numerous variations, throughout the Luba region. Despite the diversity of forms, it always depicts a woman holding, in her hands and resting on her legs, a calabash or a cup, known as a mboko. This object is one of the insignia of royalty and power, used during the enthronement of chiefs; but it is also linked to the art of divination when kaolin – a white clay reputed to be the preferred means of communication with the guardian spirits of the Luba territory – is placed in the cup. The female figure is central to Luba art, not only as a symbol of fertility, but also because women are at the heart of Luba beliefs, as the bearers of the power to give life, and as the pre-eminent intermediaries with the spirit world. For these reasons, Luba female figures are ubiquitous, and their idealised depiction reveals their sacred nature.
See original version (French)
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Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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