Seated bowl bearer "mboko"

Description

light brown wood, blackish brown patina, seated with arms and legs stretched out to support the circular bowl, basketweave design to the stem and broad circular base, rare male (!) type of bowl bearer, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage (bottom), traces of abrasion;
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.

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