Caryatid stool
D. R. Congo, Luba
sold
EUR 6,000
Size
H: 50 cm
H: 19.7 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, minimal remains of kaolin, in shape of a female figure riding an elephant, missing parts, fissures, traces of abrasion;
Luba stools were rarely intended for viewing. Swathed in white cloth and guarded fastidiously by an appointed official, stools were brought out only on rare occasions. Their purpose was to serve as receptacles for the king’s spirit, rather than as functional objects as such. When a Luba king died, his royal residence became a “lieu de mémoire” where his spirit would reside, while his successor would found a new settlement. This royal stool represents such a “kitenta” spirit capital, and its female image reflects how a woman was the spirit vessel for a deceased king.