Description:

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A tall staff of office, called a kibango, finely carved from a single piece of wood, displaying two human heads with abstract visages comprised of coffee bean shaped eyes, straight aquiline noses, full closed lips, naturalistic noses, pointed chins, and sharp jawlines - each one atop an abstract body - with a wide looped handle above. Such staffs were owned and proudly displayed by Luba kings and other titleholders as possessions signifying their sovereignty over specific lands. They also serve as a reference to the original staff bestowed upon the mythical Kalala Ilunga, who was first in the line of Luba rulers who established the Luba state. Size: 30.75" H (78.1 cm); 31.125" H (79.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California USA Collection

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#132179

  • Condition: Small area of loss to back side of upper head. A few tiny nicks to lower pointed section. Minor surface wear/scratches here and there. Age fissure to upper end of handle, but still serviceable.

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May 10, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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