Lot 183

African Luba Wood Caryatid Woman Votive Headrest

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Lot 183
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African Luba Wood Caryatid Woman Votive Headrest
African Luba Wood Caryatid Woman Votive Headrest
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African Luba Wood Caryatid Woman Votive Headrest

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba / Hemba culture, ca. early 20th century CE. A small-scale wood caryatid headrest carved as a nude female ancestral figure, shown standing upright and supporting the curved rest on her head and raised fingertips. The compact proportions suggest it may have been intended as a portable headrest, a child's object, or a votive or symbolic form rather than a fully functional example. The carving emphasizes the human form as a structural and spiritual support, reflecting the association of headrests with ancestry, protection, and the safeguarding of the head during rest. Size: 2.75" W x 4.5" H (7 cm x 11.4 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005

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Item # 199682

  • Condition: Stable fissures across chest, seat, and right foot and base. Chips and abrasions to surfaces. Dark patina with white and red remains of pigment.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000