Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)
Arts of Africa
Luba chiefs, spiritual leaders, and diviners all use carved staffs as symbols of authority. On many staffs, as in most Luba arts of authority, kingship is represented by a woman. These figures express a belief in women’s powers to connect the worlds of humankind and the spirits. Further, because women are capable of holding two spirits in one body during pregnancy, they are considered to be stronger than men. During a chief’s investiture the chief’s sister or first wife precedes him, carrying the staff and placing it near the throne.
The twin-figured staff refers to Mpanga and Banze, twin spirits of Luba kingship, whose two-way gaze suggests clairvoyance.
MEDIUM
Wood, glass beads, cloth, fiber, iron, copper alloy
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
59 x 3 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. (149.9 x 9.5 x 9.8 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
22.1132
CREDIT LINE
Brooklyn Museum Collection
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Wooden staff. Surmounted by female figure with hands on breasts. Face seems carved with greater realism than most in this style, yet all else is in tradition. Black finish removed, traces of it remain in crevices. Eyes were originally inlaid, now missing. CONDITION: Ornamental trimming worn.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Luba. Ceremonial Staff (Kibango), 19th century. Wood, glass beads, cloth, fiber, iron, copper alloy, 59 x 3 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. (149.9 x 9.5 x 9.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, 22.1132. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1132_PS1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 22.1132_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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