Ceremonial Adze Shongo
Luba, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
Early 20th century

Iron-bladed adzes with figurative wooden handles would be carried by Luba kings, chiefs, and titleholders. Often hung over the shoulder, they were used ceremonially or to convey status (Roberts & Roberts, Luba: Visions of Africa, 2007).

Luba artists created numerous objects that related to the royal court activities. Prestige objects were usually decorated with female figures, which are omnipresent in Luba art. As the Luba empire extended over a vast territory, there were a large number of stylistic variations. Luba artists showed their social status through the adzes they carried on their shoulders.  

The Luba empire was founded in 1585 in the Upemba depression by King Kongolo. His nephew and successor, Kalala Ilunga, rapidly expanded the kingdom to encompass all the territories on the upper left bank of the Lualaba River. At its peak, about one million people were paying tribute to the Luba king (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).

13.5 in :: 34.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2535

Price on Request