This female anthropomorphic stool ( 25cm high) is from the Luba people, a Bantu-speaking group who live in south central Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A prestige stool symbolizing the important role of women among the Luba society
For the Luba, figurative stools are more frequently used by royalty. The support structure of this headrest features a kneeling woman. Luba artists are among the best in Congo.
The wood is well oxidized attesting some age. I would say around 1950. Part of the base missing due to insect damages, perfectly integrated in the custom made wood base ( included, see pictures)
Provenance: A Luxembourg collection who claimed the figure to be from the 1940's, but I would say more probably 1950's.
Object
Stool
Ethnic group/ culture
Luba
Region/ country
Congo DRC
Material
Wood
Period
Mid 20th century
Condition
Vintage - used with visible signs of wear
Sold with stand
Yes
Dimensions
25×18×19 cm