Luba art relates most commonly to the Kings and Chiefs of the Congolese Luba tribe, who would assert their power by display of ceremonial objects during ceremonies. Stools were considered to be the most important of these objects as they would serve not only as a seat but as a receptacle for the Chief’s spirit. The ruler is thus figuratively and literally supported by a caryatid figure - in this case a kneeling female ancestor with elongated and outstretched fingertips. The deep carvings seen on her stomach allude to the maternal - such markings were common among many matrilineal societies in Africa to emphasise and protect the navel as the threshold between oneself, one’s mother and one’s own lineage.

Congolese Tabwa art has distinct similarities to that of the Luba tribe, and its stools are used also in ceremonies by the Kings and Chiefs of the community with a means of establishing power and authority. The key difference seen between the two is the Tabwa’s traditional depiction of braided hair as a carved extension of the head and checkerboard-style scarification of the woman’s body. Such markings were common among many matrilineal societies in Africa to emphasise and protect the navel as the threshold between oneself, one’s mother and one’s own lineage.