Democratic Republic of the Congo
Early 20th century or earlier
Wood
Height: 24¼ in (61.6 cm)
Provenance: Michael Koenig, Brussels; Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
A CIRAM report no. 0921-OA-617Z concluding the work was carved in the early 20th century or earlier accompanies the sculpture.
This Luba figural spear handle, or kibango, is carved with a standing female figure, cicatrice designs on the torso, and an openwork coiffure at the back. The form belongs to the highly developed sculptural tradition of the Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where prestige objects often combined refined carving with signs of rank, lineage, and social authority. The elongated format gives the figure a strong vertical presence while preserving its original association with a handled ceremonial or status object.
The careful treatment of the body, coiffure, and scarification reflects the Luba emphasis on beauty, memory, and embodied distinction. Such works were not simply decorative but formed part of a visual language connected to leadership, identity, and historical continuity. Its documented Brussels provenance and accompanying CIRAM report add useful support for age and collecting history without overstating the object beyond the available evidence.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Early 20th century or earlier
Wood
Height: 24¼ in (61.6 cm)
Provenance: Michael Koenig, Brussels; Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
A CIRAM report no. 0921-OA-617Z concluding the work was carved in the early 20th century or earlier accompanies the sculpture.
This Luba figural spear handle, or kibango, is carved with a standing female figure, cicatrice designs on the torso, and an openwork coiffure at the back. The form belongs to the highly developed sculptural tradition of the Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where prestige objects often combined refined carving with signs of rank, lineage, and social authority. The elongated format gives the figure a strong vertical presence while preserving its original association with a handled ceremonial or status object.
The careful treatment of the body, coiffure, and scarification reflects the Luba emphasis on beauty, memory, and embodied distinction. Such works were not simply decorative but formed part of a visual language connected to leadership, identity, and historical continuity. Its documented Brussels provenance and accompanying CIRAM report add useful support for age and collecting history without overstating the object beyond the available evidence.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
