Luba Pipe, D.R. Congo

Description of Significance:

The Luba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are known for their influential kingdom and rich cultural heritage, particularly in art and symbolism. Their society places a strong emphasis on matrilineal descent, with women playing key roles in lineage and leadership. Luba art, including sculptures, ceremonial objects, and everyday items like pipes, often reflects their deep cultural values and social hierarchies. This exquisite Luba pipe, which clearly belonged to an individual of high status, features a female figure clutching her stomach, a common motif in Luba art symbolizing respect, nurturing, and the maternal role. The representation of women is especially meaningful within Luba society, as they trace lineage through the female line. The figure’s elaborate scarification and hairstyle further indicate her wealth and high social rank. Pipes like this, adorned with intricately carved tobacco bowls, were exclusively used by the Luba aristocracy, reflecting their powerful social and political influence within the region.

Origin:

• Handcrafted in D.R. Congo

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 1.5"
• Width: 1"
• Height: 5" 
• Depth with Base: 2.5"
• Width with Base: 2.5"
• Height with Base: 6"

Materials: 

• Wood
  
• Iron
  

Display:

• Includes a wooden base, allowing the piece to stand independently.
• Includes an attached wire on the back, making it easy to hang on the wall.

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.

Our Pricing:

Hemingway Gallery ethically sources all the fine art in our collection. Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing the artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price in Africa  is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that. 

Shipping:

• Shipped with FedEx Ground: $20
• A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.