Herminette "shongo" - Luba - DR Congo

• Heavy ceremonial figurative iron-bladed hatchet "shongo" Luba

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Overall dimensions: 46 × 23 cm

• Materials: wrought iron, wood, patina

• Weight: 675 g

• Period: early 20th century (or late 19th century)

• Provenance: Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium

• Condition: upper side of the blade cleaned. See 8th photograph

— Iron-bladed hatchets with figurative wooden handles were worn by Luba kings, chiefs, and titleholders. Often carried slung over the shoulder, they served ceremonial purposes or to signify social status (Roberts & Roberts, Luba: Visions of Africa, 2007).

— Luba artists created many objects related to the activities of the royal court. Prestige objects were generally adorned with female figures, ubiquitous in Luba art. The Luba empire, extending over a vast territory, featured numerous stylistic variations. Luba artists signaled their social status through the hatchets 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 extended 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).

— The last two photographs show two other very similar Luba hatchets.

— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number.