A Luba-Shankadi Bowl bearing Figure, "mboko" Lot n° 73

Shell carrier, "mboko" Luba-Shankadi, DR Congo Ohne Sockel / without base Wood. H 24 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Dartevelle, Pierre Dartevelle (1940-2022), Brussels, Belgium. - Sotheby's, London, 08.07.1974. Lot 104. - Eduardo Uhart, Paris. - Imelda and Paul Berger-Frei, Riehen. - Berger-Frei community of heirs, Basel. Published: Bastin, Marie-Louise (1984). Introduction aux Arts de l'Afrique Noire. Arnouville: Arts d'Afrique Noire. #374 ----------------------------------------------------- Described at Sotheby's (London, 08.07.1974. Lot 104) as follows: "A BALUBA WOOD FEMALE FIGURE, kneeling and holding a bowl on her lap, with cicatrization marks on her naked body, the coiffure is in four ridged layers and the face has a slightly open mouth and slit eyes, 92in. (24.8cm.), Congo." Bowl-bearing women, called "mboko", are important figures in Luba culture and belong to royal dignitaries and fortune-tellers. According to Bastin (1984), they are used in ceremonies in honor of the mythical soothsayer "Mijibu wa Kalenga", who helped the first Luba king to power. The bowls are used to store white lime powder, which is used in various ritual contexts. In addition to spiritual and cultural values, the figures also represent the legitimacy and wisdom of the rulers. Placed in front of the rulers' doors, they serve as symbols of power and authority. Further reading: Bastin, Marie-Louise (1984). Introduction aux Arts de l'Afrique Noire. Arnouville: Arts d'Afrique Noire. CHF 2 000 / 4 000 Weight in grams: 529 Condition: The condition (any wear, signs of use, tears, any other deterioration and signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions (info@hammerauktionen.ch). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.