On Sunday I attended an interview with the artist Aime Mpane from The Democratic Republic of the Congo by Dr. Mary (Polly) Nooter Roberts the curator of an exhibit entitle "Shaping Power." The exhibit displays art work from the 19th century from the Luba Kingdom, a highly influential Central African state that flourish for several centuries in what is now Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is in a new gallery for the arts of Africa.
"Luba royal culture expanded as people in outlying areas sought to participate in the aura of kingship. Rather than a militaristic "empire" realized through conquest, Luba influence spread more subtly, through strategic gift-giving, intermarriage, and spiritual empowerment."
Below are pictures of some of the 19th century artworks:
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| Caryatid Stool, Luba Peoples, Wood and glass beads. The Caryatid stools served as thrones. |
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| Male Mask is iconic of Luba royal culture and serves as the logo for the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Belgium. |
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| Hermaphrodite Figure, Kalundwe Peoples who are western Luba people. 19th century |
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| Buffalo Mask, Tabwa Peoples, 19th century. |
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| Memory Board: Lukasa, Luba Peoples, 19th century, made of wood, glass beads, acacia thorns, and mental |
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| Anthropomorphic Water Pipe, Luba Peoples, 19th century |
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