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Primitive “Smoking Shaman” Ritual Magic Luba Statuette
Tribal Luba African Hand Carved Wooden Religious Statue. The vast Luba Territory, comprising the entire southeastern part of the DRC, as far as Tanganyika and Lake Mweru, is uniform as regards language and culture, but racially mixed. Although the history of the Luba people is one of violence and warfare, their artistic style is characterized by harmonious integration of organically related forms. The splendid artistic achievements of the Luba are due to a felicitous intermingling of different racial and cultural elements, and to the high standards prevailing at the court. Luba arts count amongst the finest that Africa has to offer. Artists occupied a privileged place in the hierarchy. The Luba artist carried a ceremonial ax on his shoulder, an emblem of prestige and of dignity of his position. Some apprentices would be recruited from among those who were believed to have a close connection with magic. This traditional carving was made for ancestor and spirit cults, for initiation, medical and divination purposes. In the healing ritual, the sorcerer would use the kabila, or daughter of the spirit, which consisted of a figure and pipe receptacle, which were also placed at the entry to the house during the childbirth.
As per consignor
JM