Fetish Figure
ClassificationsSculpture
Culture
Songye
Date20th Century
Made AtDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
MediumWood and twine
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 2 3/8 in.
Credit LineGift of Dr. John Ross
Object number94.60.5
DescriptionThe Luba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are known for a harmonious artistry and their ancestor carvings. The Luba artists are said to be close in connection with magic and the spiritual realm. Used primarily for initiation rituals and medicinal, divination purposes, the characteristics of the ancestor sculptures often include intricate hair styles, slightly pointed ears, ornamental body scarification and are often very polished. The figures are generally female, as according to Luba myth the first spirit was Vilie, a female supreme being who was the founder of the Luba people, serving as the primary deity of fertility and lineage. Sculptures are typically female ancestors, deities, and also guardians. The sculptures are posed in many different ways, including standing, crouching, hands on their breasts, hands on their lower abdomen and hands lifted holding up bowls. Many Luba figures have bowls or small deposits where magic is said to be contained by the diviner.On View
Not on viewCollections
