Staff Finial with Female Figure

Luba people, Democratic Republic of the Congo, African

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Stone ushabti figure in the form of a small mummy case with hieroglyphic inscription on the body with text from the Book of the Dead.
Crescent blade with long handle
Dark-brown, spherical vessel has lug handles on the sides and short, vertical neck; shoulder has incised arcs with overall roulette pattern below.
Helmet mask with glossy, black surface; coiffure of fine plaits close to the skull leading to thick braid rising from top of head. Prominent, domed forehead, slitted "cowrie shell" shaped eyes, small mouth, nose, and ears; three vertical scarification marks on each cheek. Two bulging rings around neck; base of mask pierced with multiple holes for attachment of fiber costume. Function: Worn by women of the Sande Society during initiation of girls into the society, and on other occasions; morphology of the mask reflects Mende ideals of feminine beauty and power.