A Luba bowlkeeper, Zaire, also known as memory bowls or Mboko bowls.

The Luba people are an ethnic group from central Africa, and they have a rich cultural heritage, which includes artistic traditions and objects used in spiritual or ceremonial contexts.

The Luba Bowlkeeper is a distinctive type of ceremonial sculpture that often serves as both a functional object and a piece of art. These sculptures are usually made of wood and depict a figure holding or supporting a bowl, which could have been used for various purposes, including ceremonial rituals, the storage of food, or as a symbol of leadership or authority.

In Luba culture, the Bowlkeeper figures are often associated with spiritual or judicial roles, and they sometimes serve as a symbol of the balance of power between different factions or social groups. They can also be seen as embodying wisdom, as these objects were often kept in the possession of village leaders, healers, or wise individuals who were thought to have spiritual knowledge and the ability to mediate disputes or offer guidance.

The Luba people's art is renowned for its attention to detail, especially in its depictions of human figures. These sculptures typically have elongated forms, detailed facial features, and an aura of dignity and authority.

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Height: 28 cm
Weight: 500 g