Lot: 275

95th Tribal Art Auction

Staff of office "kibango", before 1920

D. R. Congo, Luba

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
H: 61 inch sold

wood, metal, rest.

Each "kibango" is unique. Through shape and carved patterns it gives information about the family history of the respective owner.

The staffs are "carved narratives", that can be read like texts and serve their owner as a memory aid. However, only the owner himself or the spirit medium who once consecrated the staff is able to do so.