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Euvrard & Fabre

205 - Luba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cup-bearer, wood H.
See original version (French)

Estimate €600 - €800
Sale commission
Description
Luba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cup-bearer, wood H. 46 cm – W. 37 cm The cup-bearer, sometimes known 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 a calabash or a cup, known as a mboko, in her hands whilst resting on her legs. 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 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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About the sale AFRICAN ART – TERRACOTTA FROM THE INDUS VALLEY – PRE-COLUMBIAN ART – OCEANIAN ART – HOPI CULTURE
Auction location
Auction time 06/24/2026 at 1:30 PM
Ref. : 3358 - 299
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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