Mask - Congo (No reserve price)

Figurative Luba comb

In African art, any everyday object can become an artistic support. The decorative aspect of an object is never its intrinsic function. In African art, any object of daily life can be transformed into a masterpiece while retaining its utility. The major role played by women in the kingdom's political life is illustrated by the recurring motif of the female figure in Luba art. The latter, which stood out for its prestige and quality, thus greatly influenced neighboring groups. This comb is topped by a protective effigy embodying a woman of Luba royalty, an intermediary both political and spiritual. Its coiffure, behind a wide headband revealing a shaved forehead, evokes one of those worn by Luba women at the beginning of the 20th century. Its gesture is a way of indicating that the secrets of the monarchy (the bizila) are held by women.