Waterpipe - calebasse, wood - Congo DRC

A quite beautiful example of a rare Luba water pipe undoubtedly belonged to a person of high status.
The female figure holding her breasts is the most common motif in Luba art, two little heads on the side.

Some raphia is holding the wood partd on the calebasse pumpkin.

The gesture symbolizes respect, nurturing, and the role of women as mothers. The representation of a woman is also significant because the Luba trace descent from the female line.
The figure’s elaborate scarification and hairstyle indicate she is a woman of wealth and high social rank.

Age: Early to mid-XXth.

H= 33cm