Royal Seat (Lupona): Female Caryatid 1800 - 1897

This Royal Seat, or Lupona, made by a Luba artist, presents a female caryatid carved from wood. The sculpture features a kneeling woman supporting a circular bowl-shaped structure above her head, her posture symmetrical and steady. Notice how the artist uses repetition of form to create patterns. Incised geometric shapes adorn her torso. Similarly, the beaded necklace brings a break in the symmetry. The smooth, dark surface of the wood enhances the sculpture's tactile quality, inviting a sense of touch and connection. The bowl's circular form, mirrored in the base, creates a visual echo that stabilizes the composition. The figure embodies the ideals of beauty and strength, essential to Luba notions of leadership and royal power. The structure exemplifies how functional objects can also be powerful artistic expressions, intertwining utility with symbolic meaning. This piece invites viewers to think about the intersection of art, power, and daily life.