LUBA, Democratic Republic of the Congo. - Lot 187

LUBA, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ornamental Kabwelulu calabash figure, featuring a female bust with hands clasped in front of the chest, the face marked by a beautiful, concentrated and interiorized expression. Wood with brown and reddish patina, numerous old wear marks, fabric and cords. Height Height : 12.5 cm With base: 20.5 cm. Provenance: former Galerie d'Art Africain, Paris, 1984-1994. Kabwelulu gourds occupy a central place in Luba ritual culture. Associated with objects of prestige and spiritual transmission, they are often linked to initiation practices and the symbolic power of the ancestors. During rituals, these calabashes served as receptacles for ritual substances or secret objects, accumulating a sacred charge over time. Carefully carved, they bear witness to the artistic refinement of the Luba and the importance of the female figure as mediator between the visible and invisible worlds. This work stands out for the quality of its sculpture and its age.