Large Luba Stool Solid Wood Dark Ritual Patina - period: Art Deco

Old and large wooden “luba” stool with a very pretty dark ritual patina. The body of the stool is sculpted representing an asexual woman, with smooth features on the face, characterized by large half-closed eyes. At the top of the head is the very slightly curved seat. His right hand covers his mouth and his left hand covers his ear. The feet are flared on the oval base. Period: 20th century - art deco dimensions: height: 58cm - top width: 38cm X top length: 48.5cm this type of stool is not intended to be used as a seat, but rather serves as a symbolic expression of the power of a deceased leader. They also act as a form of ancestral memory, as part of the ancestor worship which constitutes an important part of luba society. These memorial stools always have the figure of a woman supporting the seat, and they are carved to represent the luba concept of ideal female beauty. In luba society, women are considered the receptacles of spiritual power, and these figures therefore embody the power of the chiefs. In the past, luba leaders rose to power through a rigorous investiture process. The transgression of taboos was its basis. Thus this involved seclusion in a ritual hut where they had to commit incest with a woman of the family, sleep in the presence of the relics of chiefs, and drink human blood from the dried skulls of their predecessors. Blood was the agent that activated the new kingdom and linked it to the terrifying power of the ancestors. This rite, called "kutomboka" sanctified the privilege of chief. (sources: sendwe 1955; van avermaet and mbuya 1961). These seats held a crucial place during the investiture rites. This seat was placed on a leopard skin and hidden in villages other than that of the chief because if an opponent seized it, then the chief lost his power.

Ref. : UBSUAQGQ