LUBA, CONGO
WOOD, HEIGHT 58CM

This superb figure has a large cavity at the back which was used for holding special medicine or magic herbs to assist when required with the general well being of the tribe. It comes from the eastern border of the Luba empire, and is influenced by the neighbouring Zela people who use this light brown wood. A very  remarkable feature is that the statue displays no reference to either male or female, as such underpinning it’s spiritual importance.