Bow Stand
1 of 3
Object Label
The great mythical hero of Luba kingship, Mbidi Kiluwe, was a famous hunter whose most cherished possession was his bow. Bow stands therefore symbolize chiefly authority and are associated with elaborate rituals and restrictions. They are never displayed in public and are guarded by a female dignitary who provides prayers and sacrifices. The female figure on this bow stand holds her hands to her chest, a gesture that refers both to the Luba idea that women guard the secrets of royalty within their breasts and to that of devotion to the spirit world.
Caption
Possibly Luba; possibly Zela. Bow Stand, 19th century. Wood, 29 1/4 x 13 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (74.3 x 33.7 x 14 cm) Other: 29 1/8 x 13 3/8in. (74 x 34cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1345. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1345_SL1_edited_version.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Cultures
Title
Bow Stand
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Wood
Classification
Dimensions
29 1/4 x 13 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (74.3 x 33.7 x 14 cm) Other: 29 1/8 x 13 3/8in. (74 x 34cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
22.1345
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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