Luluwa Female Figure, probably Bakwa Ndoolo Subgroup, Democratic Republic of the Congo

bwanga bwa Cibola
height 9 1/4in (23.5cm)

Provenance
Galerie Jacques Germain, Montreal
Drs. John and Nicole Dintenfass Collection, New York

Constantine Petridis notes, "The bwanga bwa Cibola belongs to the broad category of power objects and cults that dealt with fertility and the protection of pregnant women, newborns and children. It was also recorded among the Songye and other Luluwa neighbours. Specifically, it was concerned with women who had a succession of miscarriages or whose children died shortly after birth. The cult was aimed at ensuring a successful pregnancy and a safe delivery, but its ultimate goal was to provoke the reincarnation of a deceased ancestor in the newborn." (Luluwa - Central African Art Between Heaven and Earth, Fonds Mercator, Brussels, 2018, p. 67)

The work presented here is a resplendent example of the highly stylized type of Luluwa figures. The proportionally large rounded head with a complex hairstyle rests on a long neck. Projecting from the top of the head is a stylized horn suggesting the figure's link to the cosmos. The protruding, elliptical eyes are broadly rendered above a diminutive nose and circular mouth. The shoulders are squared with arms cast directly back. The visual focus of the torso is the raised, tiered umbilicus, identifying it with the purpose of ensuring a successful pregnancy. The diminutive legs are firmly planted on large oval feet; superb, dark brown surface with ritual patination and encrustations throughout.