Herminette "shongo" - Luba - DR Congo
Opens tomorrow
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 650 - € 750
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 131293 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Luba ceremonial figurative adze “shongo”
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 46 cm
Materials: wrought iron, wood, patina
Period: early 20th century (or late 19th century)
Provenance: Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium
The iron-blade, wooden-handled herminettes with figurative motifs were within reach of Luba kings, chiefs, and titleholders. Often carried slung over the shoulder, they were used for ceremonial purposes or to assert social status (Roberts & Roberts, Luba: Visions of Africa, 2007).
Luba artists created many objects related to the activities of the royal court. Prestige objects were generally adorned with female figures, omnipresent in Luba art. The Luba empire, spanning a vast territory, exhibited numerous stylistic variations. Luba artists demonstrated their social status through the herminettes they carried on their shoulders.
The Luba empire was founded in 1585 in the Upemba Depression by King Kongolo. His nephew and successor, Kalala Ilunga, quickly extended the kingdom to include all territories on the upper left bank of the Lualaba River. At its height, about a million people paid tribute to the Luba king (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).
Condition: the upper part of the herminette blade has been cleaned. (see photo no. 8)
The last two photographs show two similar Luba herminettes.
Delivery insured by Bpost
Luba ceremonial figurative adze “shongo”
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 46 cm
Materials: wrought iron, wood, patina
Period: early 20th century (or late 19th century)
Provenance: Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium
The iron-blade, wooden-handled herminettes with figurative motifs were within reach of Luba kings, chiefs, and titleholders. Often carried slung over the shoulder, they were used for ceremonial purposes or to assert social status (Roberts & Roberts, Luba: Visions of Africa, 2007).
Luba artists created many objects related to the activities of the royal court. Prestige objects were generally adorned with female figures, omnipresent in Luba art. The Luba empire, spanning a vast territory, exhibited numerous stylistic variations. Luba artists demonstrated their social status through the herminettes they carried on their shoulders.
The Luba empire was founded in 1585 in the Upemba Depression by King Kongolo. His nephew and successor, Kalala Ilunga, quickly extended the kingdom to include all territories on the upper left bank of the Lualaba River. At its height, about a million people paid tribute to the Luba king (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).
Condition: the upper part of the herminette blade has been cleaned. (see photo no. 8)
The last two photographs show two similar Luba herminettes.
Delivery insured by Bpost
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Luba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Herminette "shongo"
Provenance
Auction house
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
