neck support - Hemba / Luba - DR Congo






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Description from the seller
DR Congo
Hemba / Luba
Wood
Height: 150 mm
Width: 180 mm
Length: 90 mm
African neck support of the Hemba / Luba ethnicity from DR Congo representing a person of high rank, probably a queen. Numerous scarifications all over the body.
Beautiful patina of use. Old holes in the base from xylophagous insects.
The Luba and Hemba peoples are renowned for their highly refined wooden sculptures.
Practical use: to sleep without damaging the hairstyle
The neck rest served as a head support during sleep:
- the nape rested on the small support
- it prevented crushing elaborate hairstyles
- it also protected the head from direct contact with the ground
In several African societies, hairstyles carried strong social and identitary significance.
Prestige object
These objects were often reserved for:
- chiefs
- notables
- high-ranking persons
The quality of the sculpture demonstrated the owner's prestige.
Spiritual function
Among the Luba particularly, the head is regarded as the seat:
- of the soul
- of intelligence
- of ancestral memory
Sleeping on a neck rest could promote:
- dreams
- communication with ancestors
- spiritual protection during sleep
Forms and symbols
Luba/Hemba neck rests are often carved with:
- female human figures
- ancestors
- symbolic postures
The represented woman may symbolize:
- fertility
- continuity of lineage
- protection
Today
These objects are highly sought in old African art for:
- their elegance
- their patina
- their ethnographic and artistic value
Packages are shipped from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery to the rest of Europe and worldwide via Colissimo International.
We speak English
Mask African art African mask art arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue African art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
Seller's Story
DR Congo
Hemba / Luba
Wood
Height: 150 mm
Width: 180 mm
Length: 90 mm
African neck support of the Hemba / Luba ethnicity from DR Congo representing a person of high rank, probably a queen. Numerous scarifications all over the body.
Beautiful patina of use. Old holes in the base from xylophagous insects.
The Luba and Hemba peoples are renowned for their highly refined wooden sculptures.
Practical use: to sleep without damaging the hairstyle
The neck rest served as a head support during sleep:
- the nape rested on the small support
- it prevented crushing elaborate hairstyles
- it also protected the head from direct contact with the ground
In several African societies, hairstyles carried strong social and identitary significance.
Prestige object
These objects were often reserved for:
- chiefs
- notables
- high-ranking persons
The quality of the sculpture demonstrated the owner's prestige.
Spiritual function
Among the Luba particularly, the head is regarded as the seat:
- of the soul
- of intelligence
- of ancestral memory
Sleeping on a neck rest could promote:
- dreams
- communication with ancestors
- spiritual protection during sleep
Forms and symbols
Luba/Hemba neck rests are often carved with:
- female human figures
- ancestors
- symbolic postures
The represented woman may symbolize:
- fertility
- continuity of lineage
- protection
Today
These objects are highly sought in old African art for:
- their elegance
- their patina
- their ethnographic and artistic value
Packages are shipped from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery to the rest of Europe and worldwide via Colissimo International.
We speak English
Mask African art African mask art arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue African art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
