Herminette "shongo" - Luba - DR Congo

superb and rare ceremonial figurative "shongo" Luba herminette
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
Condition: top side of the blade cleaned. See 8th photograph

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

Luba artists created many objects tied to the activities of the royal court. Prestige items were generally adorned with female figures, ubiquitous in Luba art. The Luba empire, spanning a vast territory, exhibited 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 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, Les arts tribaux d'Afrique, 1998).

The last two photographs show two similar Luba herminettes.

Careful and insured shipping with tracking number.