The term "Lulua" was given to the Bena Moyo who lived on the banks of the Lulua River in Kasai by the first explorers
in 1881, hence Benalulua. Their statuary is remarkable in the degree
of its ancient scarification design which was a manifestation of the
wish to be socially differentiated. The statuettes with truncated bases
represented ancestors which protected against sorcerers, thieves,
lightening and were used in divination sessions. The protruding
abdomen of the women emphasizes the importance of lineage. The
concentric circles on the navel symbolize life.
Field collected in D.R. Congo 1949/50 by Rev. Conner, Ex. Scott Rodolitz, and
Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.
Minor chips, repair on feet, and right ear.
Height: 13" x Width: 2 ¾" x Depth: 2 ½".
