Amulet "mikisi mihasi"

Description

ivory, shiny patina, in shape of a female torso with cascade-like coiffure, drilled hole for support, min. dam., fine cracks through age, base;
Luba ivory pendants are portraits, or at least likenessess, and are named and honored in memory of certain revered ancestors. Sculpted from bone and horn as well as from ivory, these delicate diminutive figures were suspended from cords together with other objects, including amulets, beads, and horns. The cords were worn diagonally across the chest or were attached to the arm. Devotees anointed the figures with oil in homage of the ancestors.