Anthropomorphic pendant. Luba. Shaba, Zaïre. Ivory.
© Africa-Museum, Tervuren
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Luba ritual specialists use a range
of sculpted figures for divining purposes, during healing and initiation
rites or in resolving disputes or dealing with accusations of witchcraft.
The Luba distinguish mikisi mahake figures, in which magic ingredients have
been inserted, from mikisi mibasi such as the ivory pendants, which
represent deceased relatives or spirits.
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