Luba Shankadi Janus Cup. DR Congo. " The Luba peoples occupy a land of rivers and savanna in the southeast of what is today Democratic Republic of Congo. As early as the seventeenth century, the Luba headed an extensive, centrally organized state structured on the principles of divine kingship and rule by council. The widespread trade networks in the region produced individuals of great wealth and prestige who commissioned fine works of art for personal and political use. " - MET Museum, The Collection, The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, Headrest: Female Caryatid Figure, Master of the Cascade Coiffure, Zaire, Accession Number: 1981.399 - This particular object is a fine Luba double faced janus cup from the Shankadi ethnic group. The Shankadi people distinguish themselves within the Luba tribe as the masters of the "cascade coiffure". A layered headdress, horizontally aligned though vertically engraved, sometimes presenting strong curvature but in this case more linearly structured. Provenance: Maximilian Christiaens private collection, Brussels, Belgium Object type: janus cup Tribe: Luba Material: wood Height: 9 cm The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs. Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.