Beautiful kibango ceremonial cane - Lot 57

Beautiful kibango ceremonial cane Luba culture, D.R. Congo Wood with superb black and weathered patina, copper H. 92 cm Provenance: Philippe Guimiot, Brussels - Philippe Guimiot, Brussels, 1987 - Alain de Monbrison, Paris, 2013 - Private collection, Paris Publication and exhibition: - Galerie Monbrison, Art Basel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, March 24-26, 2016 Kibango ceremonial canes were among the most important insignia of authority for Luba dignitaries. Belonging to diviners, nobles and territorial chiefs, they were at once receptacles of the history and genealogy of a lineage or chiefdom. Believing that the woman, as the generator of the lineage, is the most capable of preserving its secrets, the Luba made her the main theme of their ceremonial iconography. Here, her face is finely sculpted, conveying the authority and wisdom of power. An imposing headdress with heavy braids, classically arranged in a cross, adorns the nape of her neck.