Luba (Baluba, Kaluba, Louba, Uruwa, Waluba, Warua), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Prestigious pipe. Luba art is a court art that endowed everyday objects with a stamp of luxury and prestige. The typical Luba figure is female with rounded features and soft, sensitive forms. Serving as priestesses, political advisors, ambassadors, and of course as wives and mothers, Luba women were important members of society. In addition to these roles, they served as spirit mediums for deceased males. In the belief that only women’s body were strong enough for this sacred purpose, a woman was selected to be the receptacle of a deceased king’s spirit. Thus women’s images appear on many ceremonial and utilitarian objects, including prestigious smoking pipes. Such pipes were made not for smoking, but first of all as prestigious objects.

Material: wood

Size: 9 ½”, W. 2”, D. 2 ½”

Price: $190 + $25 (S&H)                [#B0L8O021]