Kabwelulu Gourd Figure
- Culture: Luba
- Medium: Wood, metal
- Place Made: Haut-Lomami Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dates: 19th century
- Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 2 7/8 x 2 3/4 in. (19.7 x 7.3 x 7 cm)
- Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
- Museum Location:
This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor - Accession Number: 22.1454
- Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
- Image: 3/4, 22.1454_threequarter_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
- Catalogue Description: Wooden standing female figure holding hands below breasts. At top of head, deep hole in center. Along outer edges of face, scarification indications. Chin, long and beardlike. At back of neck, three pronged headdress. Condition is fair. Coating of resin covers entire figure. Part of headdress broken off.
The base of this figure was attached to a gourd or calabash that served as an important divination implement for members of the Bugobo society. This society was considered a reliable source of medical knowledge, and the calabashes were used in the society's healing activities.
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