Lot 195
Africa, DR Congo, Mid 20th century. Superb stool with a carved standing female figure supporting a seat with her arms and head blends form, function and symbolic display. The standing female come from a number of stylistically related groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo either the Luba subgroups or neighbors subtlety influenced by Luba art and symbolism. The different forms and styles of Luba influenced sculptures generally served a common purpose as 'objects of power', ritual and ceremony. This stool serves to recognize the rank of a chief or senior lineage head as they would be seated during ceremonies. This elegant female figure supporting the stool may make reference to a Luba proverb that states: "that it is the king who rules during the day and the woman who rules at night". Red bark powder was rubbed onto the surface of the hair of both figures as a cosmetic effect. The female figure has elegant geometric scarification on her stomach repeated in the design pattern on her back and wears a bracelet on either arm. The Luba are known for the variety of their sculptures including bowls, pipes, figures, drums, and ritual devices. This caryatid stool with the female figure is a special example of classic Luba sculpture rarely available and will hold a prominent place in a serious collection of African sculpture. There is a double pleasure here for it will not only be pleasing look at but can be sat upon! H18xW12 Provenance: Ex-Kragler Collection, Ex-Michael V. Carlos Museum All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #102754
- Condition: Crack on top, holes and chips in base
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |