Finely Carved African Divination Bowl

This antique Luba divination bowl is a remarkable artifact that speaks volumes about the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Luba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Finely carved from a single piece of wood, this vessel transcends its utilitarian function as a container for herbal medicine to become a powerful symbol of healing, divination, and ancestral connection. The bowl's lid is adorned while the sides feature two female figures. This triad represents the primordial couple, a recurring motif in Luba art that symbolizes the balance and harmony necessary for the continuity of society. The figures' serene expressions and formal postures convey a sense of timeless tranquility and spiritual power. In Luba tradition, divination bowls like this were not merely containers for medicine but also served as conduits to the spirit world. The figures on the bowl were seen as spouses of the diviner, embodying the spirits that possessed him and granted him curative powers