Herminette "shongo" - Luba - DR Congo

• Heavy ceremonial herminette with a figurative 'shongo' Luba

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Total height: 46 × 23 cm

• Materials: wrought iron, wood, patina

• Weight: 675 Gr.

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

• Provenance: Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium

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

— The iron-blade 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 affirm 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 usually adorned with female figures, ubiquitous in Luba art. The Luba empire, spanning a vast territory, featured numerous stylistic variations. Luba artists signified 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, rapidly extended the kingdom to include all territories on the upper left bank of the Lualaba River. At its peak, 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 herminettes.

— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)