Female Half Figure
Luba, Dem. Rep. of Congo
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Jeremy Barrew collection, Montreal, acquired in 1976
The long slender body shows a female torso surrounded at the neck with blue beads that have become encrusted. Wrapped around the base there is a very old animal skin. The face has a powerful appearance with a stylized coiffure evident at the back of the head. The wood is dark in color and shows evidence of ritual application of palm oil. There is a cavity at the crown, where ‘medicine’ was probably placed to increase the potency of the figure.
Female Half Figure
Luba, Dem. Rep. of Congo
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Jeremy Barrew collection, Montreal, acquired in 1976
The long slender body shows a female torso surrounded at the neck with blue beads that have become encrusted. Wrapped around the base there is a very old animal skin. The face has a powerful appearance with a stylized coiffure evident at the back of the head. The wood is dark in color and shows evidence of ritual application of palm oil. There is a cavity at the crown, where ‘medicine’ was probably placed to increase the potency of the figure.