Lupona (royal seat)

A Luba leader’s most important insignia of office is his lupona. It served to visually reinforce the strength and wisdom of the royal lineage. Especially elaborate examples feature a supporting figure who portrays one of its owner’s female ancestors. This depiction of mature womanhood underscored the owner’s right to rule. Her downturned eyes and lowered chin suggest soulful reflection on the demands of divine kingship—a signature element of master sculptor Ngongo ya Chintu. The raised patterning on the figure’s abdomen simultaneously perfected her body and encoded ideas of power and civilization. This permanent and painful “writing” on skin transformed a plain surface into a fertile landscape that was added to during significant life events including sexual maturity, marriage, and childbirth.