Luba Ancestral Altar Figure
Tribe: Luba
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Material: Wood
Size: 14" (35.5 cm) Tall
Status: SOLD - Private Collection - California, USA
King Kongolo founded the Luba Empire in 1585 during the Upemba depression. The Kingdom saw rapid expansion, encompassing the upper left bank territories of the Lualaba River; this was achieved under the reign of Kalala Ilunga, King Kongolo’s successor and nephew. At the peak of the Luba Empire, there were about a million people paying tribute to its king. The empire was severely weakened towards the end of the 19th century due advancing Ovimbundu people from Angola as well as the raids from the East African Muslims slavers, and eventually the Belgian colonials took control, and the Luba Empire collapsed under their rule.
Luba control and social cohesion was handled by the king, known as Mulopwe, with the assistance of a court of nobles, known as Bamfumus. The kings reigned over his subjects through clan kings known as Balopwe. The diverse populations of the Luba were kept linked together by the Bambudye, a secret society who kept the memory of the Luba Empire alive and taught throughout its territory. |
