Designed to predict future events, this bowl bearer,
known as a mboko was used primarily for divination practices, and was
owned by both chiefs and royal diviners - ‘Bilumbu’. Luba bowl figures
commemorate the first mythical Luba diviner and were used as oracles.
They were also commissioned by rulers for use as containers filled with
sacred chalk & other items, associated with purity, renewal, and the spirit
world. The female figure represents the wife of the possessing spirit and
alludes to the diviner’s actual wife as an intermediary. Likely post WWII.
Ex. Leonard Kahan Gallery, New York and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection
Height: 17 ¾"
Height including base: 19 ½"
Width: 7 ¾""
Depth: 8 ½"
