The Lulua practiced the cult of Bwanga Bwa Cibola which was thought to help women who suffered repeated still-births. An act of sorcery was blamed for still-births, and the woman consulted a diviner to help her carry her baby to term. The diviner  would advise the woman to have herself initiated into the bwanga cult which involved a certain number of dietary taboos and other prohibitions.

This statue would be given to the  initiate. She would go on to live in a small dwelling outside the village. The standing statues would be placed in a basket by the woman's bed. Like the other Lulua sculptures this figurine is covered with rich scarifications, which the Lulua see as tokens of beauty.

Provenance: Raskin Collection

Product Details:

• Size: 30" x 7" x 8"
• Shipping: $70
• Material: Wood
• Quantity: 1 available in stock
• SKU: #LULUA03