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Staff, 20th Century
probably Luba culture; probably Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of t…
Staff
Staff, 20th Century
probably Luba culture; probably Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of t…
Staff, 20th Century probably Luba culture; probably Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood and metal; 22 1/4 × 1 7/8 × 1 1/2 in. 2019.15.2 Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Staff

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-staffs, scepters, & wands
Culture Luba
Date20th Century
Made AtKatanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
MediumWood and metal
Dimensions22 1/4 × 1 7/8 × 1 1/2 in. (56.5 × 4.8 × 3.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2019.15.2
DescriptionThis is a wooden staff likely made by the Luba culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 20th Century. The female figure carved at the top of the staff is likely representative of the important role Luba women played the social hierarchies of the Luba people. While a king was overtly in charge of the society, it was women who effected societal change. It has been suggested by scholars that this role is reflected in the prominent placement of women in the art of the Luba.
On View
Not on view
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