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182 - Luba Cup-Bearer, Democratic Republic of the Congo, wood, H. 31 cm x W. 18 cm. The cup-bearer, sometimes nicknamed the “beggar,” is a traditional motif found in many variations throughout the Luba region. Despite the diversity of forms, it always depicts a woman holding—with her hands resting on her legs—a calabash or a cup, called a mboko. This object is one of the insignia of royalty and power, used during the enthronement of chiefs; however, it is also linked to the art of divination when kaolin—a white clay reputed to be the preferred means of communication with the guardian spirits of the Luba territory—is placed in the cup. The female figure is central to Luba art, not only as a symbol of fertility, but also because women are at the heart of Luba beliefs—as the bearers of the power to give life and as the primary intermediaries with the spirit world. For these reasons, Luba female figures are ubiquitous, and their idealized depiction reveals their sacred nature.
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Estimation
€300 - 400Sale fees
Luba Cup-Bearer, Democratic Republic of the Congo, wood, H. 31 cm x W. 18 cm. The cup-bearer, sometimes nicknamed the “beggar,” is a traditional motif found in many variations throughout the Luba region. Despite the diversity of forms, it always depicts a woman holding—with her hands resting on her legs—a calabash or a cup, called a mboko. This object is one of the insignia of royalty and power, used during the enthronement of chiefs; however, it is also linked to the art of divination when kaolin—a white clay reputed to be the preferred means of communication with the guardian spirits of the Luba territory—is placed in the cup. The female figure is central to Luba art, not only as a symbol of fertility, but also because women are at the heart of Luba beliefs—as the bearers of the power to give life and as the primary intermediaries with the spirit world. For these reasons, Luba female figures are ubiquitous, and their idealized depiction reveals their sacred nature.
Auction details
Primitive ArtAuction house
Blanchet & Associés +33 1 53 34 14 44 encheres.blanchet@gmail.comDelivery is optional. You can use the carrier of your choice. The stated price does not include the lot price or the auction house fees.