Luba Standing Maternity Figure

She crouches, firm and calm, while her baby feeds.

Luba carvers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this standing maternity figure in wood in the 20th century. Luba figures of mothers are commonly associated with female authority, lineage and the vessels that carry spirit. Here a woman with an elaborate, tiered hairstyle and a diamond-shaped face stands on flexed legs on a low oval base. She holds a child to her breast. The wood is dark brown, smooth and slightly glossy.

About 11 inches tall. Composed, strong and thoroughly in control.