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Divination vessel of a seated woman figure
20th century
Bowl bearing figures such as this one, commemorating the first mythical Luba diviner, Mijibu wa Kalenga, are among the most celebrated works of art by Luba artists. Such figures were primarily the preserve of royal diviners, who used them as oracles. They were also commissioned by rulers for use as containers of sacred chalk (mpemba), a material associated with purity, renewal, and the spirit world. Known as mboko, the sacred vessel held by the figure is used to contain mpemba. At the rising of a new moon, chalk was applied to people, sacred objects, and shrines as a sign of hope and renewal.
- Culture
- Luba
- Title
- Divination vessel of a seated woman figure
- Date
- 20th century
- Object Type
- Sculpture
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- 15 1/2 in. (39.3 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Richard Scheller
- Accession Number
- 2013.78.1