Herminette "shongo" - Luba - DR Congo

Figurative ceremonial Luba "shongo" herminette
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height: 46 cm
Materials: forged iron, wood, patina
Period: early 20th century (or late 19th century)
Provenance: Jean-Marc Desaive collection, Belgium

The iron-bladed herminettes with a figurative wooden handle were within reach of Luba kings, chiefs, and title holders. Often worn slung over the shoulder, they served ceremonial purposes or to assert social status (Roberts & Roberts, Luba: Visions of Africa, 2007).

Luba artists created numerous objects related to royal court activities. Prestige objects were generally adorned with female figures, ubiquitous in Luba art. The Luba empire, spanning a vast territory, saw numerous stylistic variations. Luba artists demonstrated their social status through the herminettes they wore on their shoulders.

The Luba Empire was founded in 1585 in the Upemba Depression by King Kongolo. His nephew and successor, Kalala Ilunga, quickly expanded the kingdom to encompass 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, Les arts tribaux d'Afrique, 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 sold at Sotheby’s and Christie’s.

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