Statue Kabila O Mendicante
Baluba · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: EFM-91
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- Material
- Wood
This name is given to the female statues carrying a cup of offerings in their hands, often kneeling, squatting or sitting on their ankles, and with…
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Full original description
This name is given to the female statues carrying a cup of offerings in their hands, often kneeling, squatting or sitting on their ankles, and with divinatory powers, among the most representative Luba. They are “Kabilas”, that is, divinatory statues. They are called “poisons” or “mendicants” because they receive obolos from the interns.
Most copies of the so-called “Piging Women of Buli’s Master”, the teacher of long faces. These statues were used in divinatory ceremonies. More varied and numerous than masks.
Although traditionally attributed to the Luba the Buli master was Hemba. These figures do not try to idealize the beauty of the woman but present her as a woman of a certain age in a humble attitude.
Offering carrier who has a large cup in his hands. Kneeled like all these statues. The spiked drawings of her hairstyle represent the rivers of Congo. Old patina.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
