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The stools below have been sold. They are left here for research and educational
purposes.
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Photographs © Tim Hamill
LUBA, STOOLS, Dem. Rep. Congo
Most Luba art relates to kings and important chiefs, who defined their power by the display of prestige objects during important ceremonies. Stools were among the most important of these objects. The ruler was literally as well as figuratively supported by a female caryatid figure, which also symbolizes the continuity of power in a matrilineal society. Elaborate coiffures and scarification patterns attested to the high rank of both the depicted female and the owner of the stool. These stools are among the most prized in Africa. The Luba are also known for their figurative headrests, which helped to protect their elaborate hair styles. Numbers 29-33, 35 & 38 have disctinctly Tabwa hairstyles, 30 - 31 & 38 have Tabwa scarification patterns.
Despite their appearance, we believe that most of these stools were made to be sold.
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