Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)
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Object Label
The owner of this staff, like the owners of all Luba staffs, was recognized as having supernatural powers. The Janus heads on this staff refer to Mpanga and Mbanze, twin spirits of Luba kingship whose two-way gaze suggests clairvoyance. The two pairs of horns refer to the medicine that gave the staff's owner similar supernatural powers.
Caption
Luba. Ceremonial Staff (Kibango), 19th century. Wood, iron, 61 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (155.6 x 12.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.211. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Wood, iron
Classification
Dimensions
61 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (155.6 x 12.1 x 3.8 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
22.211
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