Lulua Wood Standing Figure, Based

Scars, in the Lulua tradition, were beauty. They were also a way of saying who you were.

Lulua sculpture is known for its fine depiction of body scarification, and this standing figure was carved in the 20th century in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is about ten inches tall. A small, pointed topknot crowns the head, and raised curved marks run across the cheeks and temples. A ringed neck rests on narrow shoulders. The hands come together at the chest above a rounded belly. Long, straight legs end in broad feet joined to a small base.

The dark brown surface is softly worn, with a gentle sheen. Slender, and entirely composed.