Seated bowl bearer "mboko"
D. R. Congo, Luba
not available anymore
Provenance
Jacques Zimmerman, Belgium (collected in situ)Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris, 14 April 2007, lot 53
Size
H: 41 cm
H: 16.1 inch
Description
wood, slightly shiny middle brown patina, angular shoulders, coiffure in several lobes, min. dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage, small missing parts;
the functions of bowl bearers differ throughout the Luba region, but they always seem to have a close link to divination and healing. When a chief takes office the first wife hands him a sacred calabash with white earth (kaolin), a symbol of power. They are also considered to be the abode of the spirits who should help the diviner to heal the patient.