LULUA

Guardian Figure

Powerful and rather large sculpture. Sublime and richly endowed with magnificent exaggerated scarification and body features typical of Lulua. Strong traces of use and a fantastic patina complete this magnificent piece.

Protective figures like this one have always been among the most important works of the Lulua. The functions of the figures called lupfingu or mbulenga were manifold. They provided for the general well-being, beauty or child blessing. Others, much larger figures, accompanied the lulua during warlike conflicts.

DRC , 34 cm
Before 1875 | Acquired in 1930s by Hans Himmelheber | published in
Schaedler “Lexikon Afrikanische Kunst und Kultur”, 1994 & “Götter, Geister, Ahnen”, 1992 | exhibited at
Villa Stuck, Munich, 1992 & Neue Hofburg, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 1994 | Wood

A second figure by the same carver is part of the exhibition "Unveiled Art" at the Museum Tervuren, Brussels. According to the museum, it has been part of the collection since 1912. As the King of the Lulua had banned the use and carving of figurines since 1875, it can be assumed that the figurine in the museum and the one on offer here date from before this ban.

MARKET DEBUT: 2023