Royal Seat (Lupona): Female Caryatid 1800 - 1897

This wooden sculpture, known as "Royal Seat (Lupona): Female Caryatid," is a prime example of Hemba art from the 19th century. It was likely crafted by the Buli Master, possibly Ngongo ya Chintu, a renowned artist from the Hemba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sculpture depicts a female figure, serving as a caryatid, supporting a flat, circular platform on her head and arms. The detailed carving and expressive facial features, including a stylized headdress, contribute to the captivating presence of this ceremonial stool, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This work reflects the Hemba tradition of crafting powerful symbolic objects, often showcasing female figures in positions of strength and ritual importance.