Rattle (Shekere)

Luba Divination Rattle

Democratic Republic of Congo
Luba

Gourd, wood, fiber
Early 20th century

Height: 24cm / Length: 13cm / Width: 13cm

Scarification patterns on the body and elaborate coiffure attests to the high rank of both the depicted figure and the owner of the rattle. Some evidence shows that the Luba were formally a matrilinial people. The depiction of the feminine attributes serve as references to the founding female ancestor and symbolizes the continuity of power through the matriline. Great care was devoted to the carving of this ancestral figure which serves as a handle to the rattle.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-200-25

© Hartenberger World Music Collection