Luluwa Male Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Karel Timmermans, Tervuren
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
Marc Felix, Brussels
Margaret H. Demant, Detroit, acquired from the above on July 20, 1994
Rey Kerr, New York, acquired from the above
Martin Lerner, New York, acquired from the above

L'Impasse Saint Jacques (adv.), Arts d'Afrique Noire, No. 90, Summer 1994, p. 21

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Old loss to the back of proper right foot, patinated over. Age crack to back of proper left foot. Very minor surface cracks in front of both ears. Small marks, nicks, scratches and abrasions throughout from age and use. Remnants of sacrificial material on the head, especially on forehead scarification pattern. Rounded crest at top of head is possibly a remnant of a vertical braid. Hole in top of head from insertion of charge. Chips to back of coiffure, patinated over. Exceptionally fine dark brown patina with encrustation. Permanently mounted on base with metal pins. Underside of base with rectangular sticker with "FX94108".
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Petrides (2008: 123) notes: "Luluwa figurative sculpture, like that of the Songye, is as a rule related to the broad category of bwanga. When a bwanga has the shape of a human figure, the term lupingu (pl. mpingu) can also be applied; it should be considered the equivalent of the Luba and Songye peoples' nkishi (pl. minkishi). Among the Luluwa, as among the Luba, Songye, and some other peoples, the term refers to what have been described here as power objects--receptacles, or containers for magical substances."

And he continues (ibid.: 128): "In all the figures related to this cult, the notion of beauty and goodness was expressed through anatomy as well as scarification and other forms of skin beautification.  Thus long necks, large heads, and high foreheads were considered signs of beauty. [...] The naturalistic imitation of an umbilical hernia also symbolized the close bond between the ancestors and their descendants, and the succession of generations."