"Kabwelulu Calabash - Democratic Republic Of Congo - First Half Of The 20th Century"
Kabwelulu CalabashLuba culture, Democratic Republic of Congo
First half of the 20th century
Wood, calabash and plant fibres
H. 26.5; L 12 cm
Designed as a covered receptacle, the container is carved from a hollowed-out calabash, while the wooden lid features a bust of a female figure. Plant fibre ties hold it closed with five fasteners.
According to Marcel Griaule, kabwelulu calabashes are important objects in Bugado society: ‘During the initiation stages, neophytes must place certain secret objects in the calabash. Over time, the object accumulates these secret, magical ingredients and acquires immeasurable energy, far greater than the elements of which they are composed.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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