Carved Wood Portrait, Luba People Art, Hermaphrodite Figure Sculpture, Congo African Art, Tribal Congo Art, Vintage 1960s Folk African Art

$120USD

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Good Condition having a crack on one side of the head that almost look as part of the design. This crack are completely normal in old carvings like the present item. Most of this African pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

A Luba standing hermaphrofite figure holding belly. Elements that identify this figure with the Luba include characteristic carving styles such as a large rounded face, facial features, and the ethnic marks such as scars on body and head. The theme of maternity is common to the Luba and related peoples such as the Zela and Songye. In the case of the present figure the use of male genitalia and also female; as well as the position of holding belly, make it different and more related with a general magical ancestor than a proper true individual. 

The Luba are one of the dominant cultures of the Congo. The Luba empire, which at one time stretched from the west all the way to Lake Tanganyika, was at its most powerful from around 1500 to the 1870's, when expansion reached east to lake's edge. The decline of Luba power began soon afterwards, and can be traced to Arab slave raiders and European colonialists, who did not recognize the power of Luba laws and rituals, and alas, also possessed rifles and horses. Though no longer politically powerful, Luba influences are still felt today throughout much of the DR Congo. They are debatable the most recognized and respected of all the art-producing cultures in central Africa. Most texts on African art will devote a major section to the Luba, and a great source. The vintage art of this nations are in danger of extinction being a unique patrimony to all Mankind.

Dimensions 10.25" X 2.2" X 2" inches

Approx 221 grams

I am not an expert in African Art; information here displayed may be inaccurate.

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