An old Luba divination rattle from the DRC ~ formerly Zaire measuring 9 1/2" in height.  Most Luba art relates to kings and important chiefs, who defined their power by the display of prestige objects during important  ceremonies.  Scarification patterns and elaborate coiffures attested to the high rank of both the depicted figure and the owner of the rattle.  There is evidence that the Luba were formely a matrilineal people. All depictions of feminine attributes are references to the founding female ancestor and symbolize the continuity of power through the matriline.