Central African South Eastern Congo Katanga Luba Ceremonial Carved Ivory Adze Handle
A Central African South Eastern Congo Katanga Luba Ceremonial Carved Ivory Adze Handle
Inscribed with old inventory no. ‘1094’
Smooth aged golden patina
19th Century
Size: 30cm high - 11¾ ins high / 32.5cm high - 12¾ ins high (with base)
Inscribed with old inventory no. ‘1094’
Smooth aged golden patina
19th Century
Size: 30cm high - 11¾ ins high / 32.5cm high - 12¾ ins high (with base)
Ceremonial adze were carried over the shoulder by Luba dignitaries and were symbols of the legitimacy and dignity of a chief, or of a diviner celebrating their importance as an advisor to a person in authority. Once having a forged flat iron blade protruding from the head, this ceremonial tool was an emblem of leadership and an indicator of status. Those adze made for diviners were not embellished with figurative elements such as the carved female heads which were often associated with kingship and royal authority.
In Luba society the enlightenment, counsel and therapeutic benefits afforded by diviners provided an essential complement to the legislative role of the governing elite. The status and rank of the Luba diviners as advisors to royal and chiefly authority is shown by their ownership of these fine ceremonial adze.
In Luba society the enlightenment, counsel and therapeutic benefits afforded by diviners provided an essential complement to the legislative role of the governing elite. The status and rank of the Luba diviners as advisors to royal and chiefly authority is shown by their ownership of these fine ceremonial adze.
Central African South Eastern Congo Katanga Luba Ceremonial Carved Ivory Adze Handle
SOLD
