1969.S.138 Staff with standing female figure and baby
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In matrilineal Lwena society, political power is vested in males descended through the female line from a commonly known female ancestor. It stands to reason that in this society, the ideal woman is a mother and would be depicted on a chief's staff of office.
1969.S.123 Staff with standing female figure
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This staff of office is surmounted by a female posed with her hands to her breasts. This meaningful gesture refers to a mature woman's guarding of royal secrets. In Luba society, feminine maturity was manifested in a scarified body. Scarification patterns began to be applied upon initiation into womanhood and were added to and renewed throughout a woman's life.
1969.S.94 Head with stylized body
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Bwami ritual objects include carved wood and ivory human figures with specific names and meanings, which, without field documentation, cannot always be identified with confidence. A qualified, usually male, member of the governing Bwami association commissions an artist to carve a figure but only indicates the gender, pose, and size.
1969.S.12 Spear with figures and head in relief
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Decorated spears are part of the regalia of a Chokwe chief (mwanangana), who serves as an intermediary between the world of humans and the realm of the ancestors and spirits. This concept of sacred kingship was introduced by Mbidi Kiluwe, the legendary founder of the empire, who was also a skillful hunter.
1991.352.44 Processional cross
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Processional crosses have been in use in Ethiopia since at least the 12th century. Although this cross originated in Ethiopia, along with numerous other examples in the Dallas Museum of Art's collection, it does not appear to be Ethiopian but Byzantine.
1991.352.43 Processional cross
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Processional crosses have been in use in Ethiopia since at least the 12th century. They are commonly made of bronze, or less commonly, of iron or silver, and cast by the lost-wax process.
1991.352.42 Processional cross
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Processional crosses have been in use in Ethiopia since at least the 12th century. They are commonly made of bronze, or less commonly, of iron or silver, and cast by the lost-wax process.
1991.352.41 Processional cross
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Processional crosses have been in use in Ethiopia since at least the 12th century. They are commonly made of bronze, or less commonly, of iron or silver, and cast by the lost-wax process.
1991.352.30 Processional cross
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Processional crosses have been in use in Ethiopia since at least the 12th century. They are commonly made of bronze, or less commonly, of iron or silver, and cast by the lost-wax process.
1991.352.3 Processional cross
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Processional crosses have been in use in Ethiopia since at least the 12th century. They are commonly made of bronze, or less commonly, of iron or silver, and cast by the lost-wax process.