Lulua (Bena Lulua, Bena Moyo, Luluwa, Shilange), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Chibola (Maternity Figure).   This work expresses a percept central to Lulua social values – the preciousness of bringing new life into the world. The outcome of a diviner’s counsel, it provided an expectant mother with spiritual protection and subsequently shielded her newborn from potential harm. One of a genre of representations commissioned by women preoccupied with such concerns, this figure stands as an accomplished artistic depiction exemplifying Lulua ideals of beauty and well-being. These figures are used in Cibola fertility cult. During pregnancy a woman is isolated for a specified period of time as imposed by the cult and commissions a figure from a sculptor. Upon the delivery of the sculpture, the period of isolation ends. She keeps the figure in a basket near her bed. The figure is brought out on nights when there is a full moon, a symbol of fertility.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 21½”, W. 6”, D. 8”

Price:  $285+$33 (S&H)                                          [#L6L7S756]