Brooklyn Museum: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Kabwelulu Gourd Figure

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Kabwelulu Gourd Figure

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.

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.

Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Kabwelulu Gourd Figure