A rare Luba personal protective figure, D.R. Congo

Carved from hard wood, the figure stands with slightly bent legs and the hands held at the lower abdomen. The body is compact, with squared shoulders and a gently rounded belly. The head has a smooth, rounded hairstyle, and the face shows a calm expression with softly downcast almond-shaped eyes. The surface has a dark-brown patina with visible wear from use.

Dating: Between 1900 and 1940

Material: wood

Height: 20 cm without base

Condition: good, authentic patina, clear signs of use

Provenance: on request

Within Luba spiritual practice, small carved wooden figures were used as personal ritual objects associated with protection and well-being. Such figures were privately owned and activated through the placement of ritual substances in a cavity, intended to enhance their spiritual efficacy. Rather than serving public or royal functions, they operated on an individual level, mediating between the owner and the spiritual realm. There are many comparable examples larger in size, only a few of this size and type where ever discovered. One example will be displayed in the next page.