Standing female ancestor figure

Description

wood, reddish brown patina with traces of black paint, elongated trunk, extremely flattened on both sides, cross-shaped hairdo, min. dam. (left eye, cheeks, toes), cracks (right side of head and body), breakage (right arm), missing parts (left heel), base;
the figural carving of the Luba can be divided in two different groups, ritual objects, like the ancestor figures and emblems of power, like figural stools or female bowl bearing figures. The serene expression and the slit-like, nearly closed eyes refer to the world of the ancestors, respectively the world of the death.
The gesture with the hands up to the breasts refers to the life- and nourishment-giving role of women in Luba society.

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