Luba statuette, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 175

Lot n° 175
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Estimation :
500 - 800 EUR
Luba statuette, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 175
Luba statuette, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, leather H. 14 cm Luba art is characterized by the profusion of representations of women. "Sculpting the whole body, bust or face, is an act of the highest spirituality, for through its representation are expressed the beliefs and history of a people" (Christiane Falgayrettes-Leveau, in Neyt François, Luba. Aux sources du Zaïre, Musée Dapper, Paris, 1993, p.7). Her body tells the world, announces incantatory chants, unveils the words of the beyond. Their intermediary function between beings and supernatural phenomena was to interpret their meaning. A small bust-shaped figurine, its face set in a gentle oval in keeping with Luba stylistic canons, its reserved features lend the work's expression a mysterious interiority and exceptional simplicity. Her hands, delicately raised to her breasts, support them in a gesture typical of classic Luba statuary, which is also found on the scepter of the regalia. This signified sensuality also reflects the symbolism of fertility. The curves of her trunk then gently flare out, discreetly signalling the importance of the umbilical zone, while her waist is adorned with a fabric and skin loincloth, attesting to her importance. The softness of its modelling is matched by its deep patina, gleaming in places, attesting to the anointings with which it was honoured.
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