Lot: 425

87th Tribal Art Auction

Caryatid stool "kihona"

D. R. Congo, Luba/Hemba

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
German Private Collection, collected in situ (1983-1985) H: 19.7 inch;
D: 13.4 inch
This object is not available anymore.

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, encrusted in some areas, free standing male and female figure, arranged back-to-back, large head and upper part of the body/lower part of the body proportionally small, female figure with incised sacrification marks and drilled ear holes, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, insect caused missing parts (legs and base of both of the figures), metal base.
Luba stools do function as thrones, and are sat upon sometimes. But mainly they are embodiment of royal authority and most important insignia of kingship.