Calabash figure "mabwe lugullu" · D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3029886
Eduard Hess, Oberwil near Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, encrusted black paint in some areas, female half figure on disc-shaped base with drilled holes and remains of a fine plaited rotan collar, incised scarification marks on the face and around the navel, cylindrical receptacle on top of the head, min. dam., cracks (left side of the head and base);
the “mabwe lugullu” figure originally surmounted a calabash. It is used for divination by members of the “bugabo” society. Magic derives from a hole for fetish materials on top of the head. The figure is a genre of “nkisi” used in “bugabo”, an association important during early colonial years among eastern Luba and their neighbours. “Bugabo” members specialized in hunting, healing, and combating crime, and the society is remembered for its divination techniques and potent medicines.
The object Calabash figure “mabwe lugullu” with the object ID 3029886 was part of the auction 68th tribal art auction on March 3, 2012. The object with the lot number 229 achieved a sales price of EUR 11,000 with an asking price of EUR 6,000.
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Comparing literature
Cornet, Joseph, A survey of Zairan Art, The Bronson Collection, Raleigh 1978, ill. 172 Roberts, Allen F., Luba, Mailand 2007, pl. 53