Luluwa Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

French Private Collection

Sotheby's, Paris, African and Oceanic Art, 12 December 2012, lot 112

Jean-Louis Danis Collection, acquired at this sale

Over time, the Luluwa have developed a unique culture rooted in great ethnocultural diversity. Dwelling at the crossroads of major civilizations - theKuba to the north, the Luba to the east, and the Chokwe to the southwest - the Luluwa placed great importance on scarification and tattooing practices. This wealth of bodily decorations brought them renown throughout Africa.

This anthropomorphic seated figure is crowned by a voluminous head carved with elegance. A delicate coiffure sits atop the broad, rounded forehead. Fine raised carvings delineate the eyebrows. The large almond-shaped eyes, set within concave sockets, are rendered in relief. Beneath the small triangular nose, a wide mouth unfolds with finely sculpted lips. The beard is textured with vertical incisions.

Under the long cylindrical neck the body emerges with its exaggeratedly elongated limbs. Resting on the knees, the arms are bent, framing the face. As a counterpoint to the narrow bust the bent legs are folded away. The feet are subtly marked out.

These crouching anthropomorphic statues generally figured a chief in meditation. They were mainly used during hunting rituals to ensure abundant game.

The intricacy of its scarification patterns and its introspective expression make this sculpture a remarkable exemplar of Luluwa artistry.