African Luba statue in dense wood, Late 19th - Early 20th century, Congo

Exceptional dense wood tribal statue, representing a luba female figure, originally from congo, and dated to the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century. This type of sculpture, characteristic of luba art, was often associated with spiritual practices, power transmission rites and ancestral memory. Typical of works from this period, the statue displays a hieratic posture, with arms folded on the chest, finely sculpted features, and an elaborate hairstyle, revealing remarkable know-how. The body is decorated with engraved motifs, reinforcing its ritual and symbolic character. Female figures in luba art were essential in the transmission of traditions and played a role in divinatory and initiatory rites. This type of sculpture served as an intermediary between the spirits of the ancestors and the living, often preserved by spiritual or political leaders. The dense and heavy wood has a deep and shiny patina, testifying to its antiquity and possible ritual use. The statue rests on a light wooden base, ensuring its stability and highlighting its unique aesthetic. Dimensions: - height without the base: approx. 26 cm - total height with the base: approx. 30 cm condition: very good general condition for its age, with a uniform patina and some traces of use consistent with its authenticity. Provenance and use luba female sculptures had a fundamental role in the preservation of ancestral memory and the transmission of spiritual knowledge. They were often kept by authority figures and used in initiation or ritual ceremonies. A rare and authentic piece, ideal for collectors of african primitive art or for an exceptional decoration full of history.