B C H K L M N P S T W Y Z

Luba

LUBA TYPES OF ART The iconographic representation of women in Luba sculpture is widespread and correlates to the important role of women in Luba society. The Luba are best known for their stools, mboko (divination bowls), beautifully carved bow stands, and lukasa (memory boards). HISTORY The relentless expansion of Luba empire can be traced as far back as 1500, …
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Luluwa

LULUWA TYPES OF ART Luluwa are known for their sculpted statues marked by intricate scarification patterns and their finely carved utilitarian objects, including hemp pipes. They also carve several mask types used in initiation. HISTORY The Luluwa are closely related to the Luba Kasai and migrated along with them in the 18th century following an …
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Lunda

LUNDA TYPES OF ART Although it is impossible to isolate specific examples of Lunda art, their political activity in the region and their patronage of artists living in neighboring ethnic groups influenced the artistic styles found throughout the region. It is believed that all objects historically linked to the Lunda were originally carved by neighbors, …
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Mangbetu

MANGBETU TYPES OF ART Most Mangbetu art was reserved for ruling class and was secular in nature. Wooden figures are believed to be ancestral portraits. Harps and trumpets that were used by court musicians were often adorned with sculpted human heads. Decorated thrones and knives were also part of the royal regalia. HISTORY Linguistic patterns …
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Ngbaka

NGBAKA TYPES OF ART The most common forms of sculpture center around representations of Seto and Nabo. Often they are portrayed with a heavy ridge of scars which bisect the forehead vertically. The Ngbaka also carve several types of masks and numerous utilitarian objects. HISTORY The Ngbaka arrived on the Gemena Plateau in 1920. They …
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Nkanu

NKANU TYPES OF ART Nkanu art styles are very similar to their Yaka and Lula neighbors. They carve wooden masks that are used for ceremonial purposes and anthropomorphic wooden sculptures. HISTORY Nkanu peoples live in an area of central Africa that is rich with historical narratives and events. They are situated between Kongo and Yaka …
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