Accession Number
2016/1.255

Title
Female Figure

Artist(s)
Luba

Artist Nationality
Luba (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
wood, bead

Dimensions
9 in x 3 in x 3 ½ in (22.86 cm x 7.62 cm x 8.89 cm);7 in x 2 ¼ in x 2 ½ in (17.78 cm x 5.72 cm x 6.35 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Michael and Phyllis Courlander

Subject matter

The representation of the female form is prevalent in Luba art: the female form carved into wood was meant to act as a container for spirits. Coiffures are important, acting as the visual depictions of cultural codes, such as profession, status, or personal history. Hairstyles also act as indicators of female beauty.

 

Sources:

Roberts, Mary Nooter. "Luba." Grove Art Online. 10 May. 2018.

Roberts, Mary Nooter, and Allen F. Roberts. "Luba Art and the Making of History." African Arts 29, no. 1 (1996).

Physical Description
Standing nude female figure with bent knees. The carved hair has a criss-cross pattern and there are bead inlays on the figure's hair, neck, and breasts. The figure's hands are at its hips and the bottom of the piece is an oval connecting to the figure's ankles in place of feet.

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
figure

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
kingship
spirits (beings)
women (female humans)