The Luba are an ethnic group found in the South-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). The Luba tribal art is mostly known for a feminine representation to show the importance of women in society. Much of the Luba art appears to serve a certain purpose although this has been replaced by symbolic purposes. The Luba are one of the dominant cultures of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and perhaps number around one million. Luba rulers and certain dignitaries possed elegant staffs that affirmed their power and position. Staffs were hereditary objects passed down the royal line, staffs played a critical part in precolonial investiture processes, during which the chief’s sister and/or first wife preceded him with the staff and placed it next to the throne. The ruler held the staff as he swore his oath of office. Beyond their roles as prestige emblems, staffs still serve as historical documents; their forms and designs encode information about their owners’ lineage history. This particular staff has a human figurine at the top standing on a wide convex side-shaped sculpted piece of wood and a long stick, it has a brown patina and shows signs of age.
- Material: Hard Wood
- Condition: Good
- Age:approx 50-60yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
- SKU: LMCL-054
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Dimensions: 14 x 14.5 x 2.6 cm