Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)
Arts of Africa
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.
MEDIUM
Wood, iron, organic materials
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
46 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 in. (118.7 x 14 x 5.1 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
22.193
CREDIT LINE
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1922, provenance not yet documented; by 1922, acquired by François Poncelet of Brussels, Belgium; 1922, purchased in Brussels from François Poncelet by Stewart Culin for the Brooklyn Museum.
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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.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Luba. Ceremonial Staff (Kibango), 19th century. Wood, iron, organic materials, 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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.193_PS1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 22.193_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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