A fine old Luba female figure from the DRC ~ formerly Zaire. For more than a thousand years the Luba occupied the southeast corner of Zaire. Most Luba art relates to kings and their subordinate chiefs, who defined their power by using carved prestige objects. Standing figures, in the Luba culture, were believed to represent forest spirits or ancestors and are rare.  This beautiful figure with it's fine patina measures 13 3/4" in height.