Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Luba/Kusu, ca. 1920 CE. A suburb, skillfully carved wooden stool with a nude male and female figure, both with angular bent limbs, swollen abdomens, metal pupils accentuating their eyes, finely modeled facial features, extensive scarification on the female, a beard on the male, and red bark powder rubbed onto the surfaces. The pair stands back to back, holding up the seat in caryatid fashion, with a round base - form, function, and symbolism uniting in a wonderful object of power, ritual, and ceremony. A stool such as this, displaying immense artistry and impressive workmanship, was created to recognize the rank of a chief or senior lineage head who would sit upon it during ceremonies. Size: 12.125" W x 16.125" H (30.8 cm x 41 cm)

This elegant female and male figures supporting the stool may reference a popular Luba proverb that states: “that it is the king who rules during the day and the woman who rules at night”. A special example of classic Luba sculpture rarely available, sure to hold a prominent place in a serious collection of African sculpture.

Provenance: Bernard Dulon; Paris, France

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#123366

Losses from termite damage and a few minor repairs to base. Age crack on seat as shown. Nice patina.