Tribal Art

Water vessel with cup carrier design. Three protrusions act as handles. Zoomorphic subjects adorn the walls. Sculpture from the Luba and related groups depicts the woman and her connection to royalty and the bavidye spirits. Minor chips, old restoration of an excrescence.
Formerly subject to the Luba, then to the Lundas, the Zela, Muzela, or Wazela, have adopted a large part of their customs and traditions. Established between the Luvua River and Lake Kisalé, they are today organized into four chiefdoms under the supervision of leaders of Luba origin. They venerate a primordial couple frequently represented in statuary, mythical ancestors, and dedicate offerings to the spirits of nature.