Democratic Republic Of Congo, First Half Of The 20th Century, Little Luba Fetish

Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Period: First half of the XXth century
Culture: Luba
Material: Wood
Off stand: 10.5 cm
Condition: Very beautiful shiny patina
Provenance: From a set from a private collection

Small fetish representing a naked woman standing, camped on short massive legs. The arms at right angles are detached from the body, the hands being positioned on each side of the body. The latter is characterized by a small chest, a plump belly receiving a large protruding navel surmounted by two ritual scars. The small cylindrical neck supports a round head with an expression of great softness. The very fine face welcomes two large almond-shaped semi-closed eyes surmounted by semi-circular raised eyebrows joining at the base of the nose. The latter is long and impressed, it overlooks a half-open prognathic mouth with thin lips. An elaborate hair composed of three large braids pulled back is materialized by incisions, begins at the top of the skull and extends to the nape of the neck. In profile, this piece expresses with great expressiveness the canons of the Luba statuary.

Note the great finesse of this piece and its beautiful shiny patina.