Luba Bellows, D.R.Congo

Description of Significance: Bellows are an essential tool used in metalworking to pump air into a fire, allowing for the heating and shaping of metal. The round openings on this particular piece would have been covered with leather to create the bellows' bags. In Luba society, blacksmiths and their tools held a place of great reverence, surrounded by myth and symbol. As a result, the bellows were often intricately carved with ornate designs that reflected their cultural significance. These carvings served not only as functional tools but also as works of art that represented the cultural heritage and identity of the Luba people. Jean-Pierre Hallet Collection. Jean-Pierre Hallet grew up on the edge of the Ituri rain forest in central Africa. Born in 1927, Hallet was the son of Andre Hallet, the famed Belgian painter who lived in the Congo. He collected African art from 1948 until his death in 2007.' Origin: Handcrafted for ceremonial use in D.R. Congo Dimensions: Please inquire Mat