Ceremonial ax "kibiki" or "kasolwa"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 219
92nd Tribal Art AuctionCeremonial ax "kibiki" or "kasolwa"
D. R. Congo, Luba
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
German Private Collection Sotheby's, Paris, 13 June 2018, Lot 83 |
L: 16.1 inch (shaft) / 9.1 inch (blade) | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, metal, base
Beyond their role as prestige emblems, axes carry more profound messages in Luba royal ritual, playing a central role in the rites of "mbudye", the association responsible for inducting persons into royal office.
In a symbolic sense, the axes "clear the way" for a functioning society with intact social and moral values. The engravings on the axe blades are called "ntapo", they also serve to convey certain messages.
Roberts, Mary Nooter, Memory, New York 1996, p. 76 f.