neck support - Luba - DR Congo

The Luba neck rests, called rams’ heads or caryatid heads, are carved wooden pieces of furniture that support a small circular tray designed to protect the owner’s elaborate coiffure during the night. The figure, often kneeling, holds the tray with its arms and skull; it embodies both a protective ancestor and royal power, with Luba reserving this type of object for chiefs and members of the nobility. The dark, satin patina that develops with use bears witness to their long presence in households, while the incised motifs recall animist beliefs and the role of the nganga (priest-healer) who charges the object with spiritual forces. Thus, the neck rest is not merely a functional support but also a symbol of status, protection, and cultural continuity within Luba society.

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