African Antique Figurative Tripod Rattle/Shekesheke, Luba Fine Art

Congo Luba Carved Wooden Divination Rattle Hemba Tribe

In the corpus of traditional art of the Luba, we know the minyange rattles composed of small superimposed calabashes. This rattle is a nkisi a female figure atop of 3 small gourds. A Bilumbu diviner would rattle the seeds in the three small gourds, while performing the divination for help with locating misplaced objects, curing sterility and attaining general well-being.Among the characteristics of Luba sculpture are: intricate hair-dress, often in the form of a cross, or falling down like a cascade; a grooved diagonal band separating the hair-line from the forehead; eyes shaped like coffee-beans; small simplified ‘cat’s ears’; ornamental cicatrices in relief on the body; the surface elaborately worked and polished. The traditional carvings are for ancestor and spirit cults, for initiation, medical and divination purposes. The favorite theme in sculpture was woman since, according to the Luba myth, vilie was the first woman spirit, founder of the clan and guarantor of fertility and the lineage. Women were cult guardians, and the royal wives played an important role, sent as emissaries to the chiefs of neighboring ethnicity, they would contract profitable political alliances based on marriage. Some figures are freestanding, almost always in a frontal position, others are kneeling, sitting, or standing figures whose upraised hands serve as supports for bowls, seats, and neck rests.

This African antique figurative tripod rattle is a beautiful piece of art that represents the Luba culture. It is a perfect addition to any collector’s collection, especially those interested in African art. The rattle features intricate details that are true to the Luba culture and is made with high-quality materials that have withstood the test of time.

Measurements are 8 inches by 2 inches