작품 상세

Democratic Republic of the Congo This classical Luba figure, with a contemplative regal expression can be found by the Luba and shows their ideals of beauty and power. Emblems of Luba kings often are depicted in female form in the belief that women are the most efficient guardians of secrets; one Luba proverb states: 'only the body of a woman is strong enough to hold a spirit as powerful as that of a king. This Nkishi was kept in a special enclosure positioned in a highly visible location, such as the center of the village or near the chief’s house. It was cared for by a guardian who also served as an interpreter for the nkishi whose messages were received through dreams or possession. Collective consultations occurred following specific dreams or nightmares, and recurrently during celebrations related to the appearance of the new moon – an essential symbol of new life and a reference to the large round head of the figurine. On those occasions, the nkishi was taken out of its enclosure to be recharged by the moon’s life-force. It was sprinkled with the blood, red earth and anointed with palm oil, giving it its distinctive shiny red patina.