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 rest from the Hemba/Luba people of DR Congo depicting a person of high rank, probably a queen. Numerous scarifications over the entire body.
Beautiful patina from use. Old holes in the original base from xylophagous insects.
The Luba and Hemba peoples are renowned for their highly refined wooden sculptures.
Practical use: sleeping without damaging the hairstyle
The neck rest served as support for the head during sleep:
- the nape rested on the small support
- this 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 importance.
Prestige object
These items were often reserved for:
- chiefs
- dignitaries
- people of high rank
The quality of the sculpture indicated the prestige of the owner.
Spiritual function
Among the Luba in particular, the head is considered 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 woman depicted may symbolize:
- fertility
- the continuity of the lineage
- protection
Today
These objects are highly sought after in ancient African art for:
- their elegance
- their patina
- their ethnographic and artistic value
Packages are shipped Monday through Saturday with insurance and tracking number. `Delivery between 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 Afrikanische Maskenkunst 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 rest from the Hemba/Luba people of DR Congo depicting a person of high rank, probably a queen. Numerous scarifications over the entire body.
Beautiful patina from use. Old holes in the original base from xylophagous insects.
The Luba and Hemba peoples are renowned for their highly refined wooden sculptures.
Practical use: sleeping without damaging the hairstyle
The neck rest served as support for the head during sleep:
- the nape rested on the small support
- this 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 importance.
Prestige object
These items were often reserved for:
- chiefs
- dignitaries
- people of high rank
The quality of the sculpture indicated the prestige of the owner.
Spiritual function
Among the Luba in particular, the head is considered 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 woman depicted may symbolize:
- fertility
- the continuity of the lineage
- protection
Today
These objects are highly sought after in ancient African art for:
- their elegance
- their patina
- their ethnographic and artistic value
Packages are shipped Monday through Saturday with insurance and tracking number. `Delivery between 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 Afrikanische Maskenkunst 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
