Staff 19th-20th century

This Luba staff, an object of great symbolic weight, features a female figure carved with meticulous detail. Her hands rest beneath her breasts, a gesture of offering and reverence characteristic of Luba art, reflecting the high status and influence of women in Luba society. The figure's serene expression and pose evoke a sense of spiritual power and ancestral connection. Now, consider this gesture—hands beneath the breasts. We see echoes of it across time, from ancient Egyptian fertility figures to Renaissance depictions of charity. It resurfaces, each time carrying a transformed yet resonant meaning. Perhaps in the collective unconscious, this gesture symbolizes a connection to life, a nurturing force, and a deep, psychological need for protection and sustenance. The image works on a deep, subconscious level, engaging viewers through primal symbols of fertility and power. Thus, this staff serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols, which continuously evolve and adapt, reaffirming the enduring power of human expression across cultures.