Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)

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Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)

Many Luba staffs are surmounted by a pair of female figures usually representing powerful spirit mediums. In Luba culture, these figures express a belief in women's powers to connect the worlds of humankind and the spirits.

• Culture: Luba
• Medium: Wood
• Possible Place Made: Middle Lukuga River region (?), Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th century
• Dimensions: 46 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 in. (118.7 x 14 x 5.1 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 22.193
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Detail, 22.193_detail_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Luba . Ceremonial Staff (Kibango), 19th century. Wood, 46 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 in. (118.7 x 14 x 5.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.193 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.193_detail_PS1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Ceremonial wooden staff with triangle shape and two female figures at top. The figures clutch their breasts and have scarification marks indicated on their abdomens. The triangle as well as the diamond shapes on the other end are decorated with geometric patterns. Condition is poor. There are two minor splits at the tip of the shaft measuring 1 3/4 in. and 2 1/2 in. long. There are several minor chips on the backs of the figures. There is a chip on the proper left corner of the large triangle near the top. The surface overall is coated with a substance that is shiny, resinous, and slightly sticky.