Pendant with Female Figure

19th–first half of 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 344

Ivories are made by professional sculptors to be worn as decorative pendants. While its texture and resistance to cracking make elephant ivory the material of choice, the thighbones of hippopotamuses allow artists to achieve comparable effects. Bodily contact through wear alters the whiteness of the pendants. Although this effect is prized by Western collectors, the ornament's surface is scrubbed daily with water and abrasive sand, which blurs the features over time.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Pendant with Female Figure
Artist: Luba artist
Date: 19th–first half of 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Culture: Luba peoples
Medium: Wild pig or warthog tusk
Dimensions: H. 3 in. × W. 13/16 in. × D. 1 1/8 in. (7.6 × 2.1 × 2.9 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Ornaments
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1961
Object Number: 1978.412.431
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

From the same culture

By Luba artist

In the same gallery

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Pendant with Female Figure, Luba artist, Ivory, Luba peoples — Pendant with Female Figure
Luba artist
19th–first half of 20th century

Kibango (ceremonial staff), Luba artist, Wood, copper, metal, iron, Luba peoples — Kibango (ceremonial staff)
Luba artist
19th–early 20th century

Lupona (royal seat), Luba artist, Wood, glass beads, cotton fiber(?), Luba — Lupona (royal seat)
Luba artist
Late 19th century–early 20th century

Ceremonial Bowstand with Female Figure, Luba artist, Wood, metal, beads, string, Luba peoples — Ceremonial Bowstand with Female Figure
Luba artist
19th–first half of 20th century

Kifwebe (mask), Luba artist, Wood, pigment, Luba peoples — Kifwebe (mask)
Luba artist
19th–first half of 20th century

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