Minneapolis Institute of Art

Headrest

Luba artist

Date

c. 1880

Medium

Wood, beads, string

Culture

Luba

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Like the larger stools, Luba headrests with female figures are symbolically powerful objects associated with chiefs. The two figures represent Luba matrilineal ancestors who are the literal and figurative support of the hereditary chiefs. The embracing women also reference the importance of family unity and continuity. Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

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