Luba ancestor statue - DR Congo
04
days
04
hours
56
minutes
49
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. BALUBA
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours, open
This Luba statue (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) stands out for its remarkable proportions, deep patina, and finely detailed carving.
Morphological and stylistic description
The head and face:
The skull is prominent, bald, and rounded, with a meticulously grooved hairstyle in raised relief at the back.
The face displays the classic aesthetic conventions of Luba art: finely outlined almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose with well-defined nostrils, and a mouth with full, slightly parted lips. The ears are delicately detached and detailed.
The posture and torso:
The statue stands upright on an integrated circular wooden base.
The arms are bent at either side of the torso, with finely carved fingers resting directly beneath the chest—a gesture of offering or contemplation typical of Luba female or gender-ambiguous statuary, symbolizing fertility and protection.
Body scarification:
The prominent abdomen is adorned with geometric patterns carved in raised relief (gridded diamonds and vertical chevrons), recalling the traditional scarification valued in Luba culture as a mark of beauty, civilization, and social status.
Similar gridded triangular patterns also adorn the lower back.
The patina and wood:
The piece is carved from a hardwood with a beautifully textured grain and covered in an old, warm, dark-brown patina, glossy in places, bearing witness to its considerable age and prolonged ritual or aesthetic handling.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. BALUBA
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours, open
This Luba statue (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) stands out for its remarkable proportions, deep patina, and finely detailed carving.
Morphological and stylistic description
The head and face:
The skull is prominent, bald, and rounded, with a meticulously grooved hairstyle in raised relief at the back.
The face displays the classic aesthetic conventions of Luba art: finely outlined almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose with well-defined nostrils, and a mouth with full, slightly parted lips. The ears are delicately detached and detailed.
The posture and torso:
The statue stands upright on an integrated circular wooden base.
The arms are bent at either side of the torso, with finely carved fingers resting directly beneath the chest—a gesture of offering or contemplation typical of Luba female or gender-ambiguous statuary, symbolizing fertility and protection.
Body scarification:
The prominent abdomen is adorned with geometric patterns carved in raised relief (gridded diamonds and vertical chevrons), recalling the traditional scarification valued in Luba culture as a mark of beauty, civilization, and social status.
Similar gridded triangular patterns also adorn the lower back.
The patina and wood:
The piece is carved from a hardwood with a beautifully textured grain and covered in an old, warm, dark-brown patina, glossy in places, bearing witness to its considerable age and prolonged ritual or aesthetic handling.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Luba ancestor statue
Height
55 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
