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 posed female ancestor with a carved headdress. The deep and patterned 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.

The act of scarification will have often been used as a rite of passage, in order to symbolise a readiness for the pain of childbirth.