Superb figurative bellows, from the Kingdom of Luba (Congo)
Rare figurative Luba bellows
Among the Luba, and in Africa more generally, blacksmiths are thought to work magic by transforming raw material to a finished tool or weapon, and the fire they use is also considered to be a spiritual force. Representing ancestral presence, which is often associated with wind, the head on this bellows reinforces the mystical role of the smith.
This blacksmith’s bellows is masterfully carved from a single piece of wood, showing an elegant head with a long neck and facial features typical of the Luba. The bellows has four chambers that would have been originally covered with bags made of animal skin. Usually wooden handles were used to raise and lower the skins in the bellows to force air out of the iron nozzles/tubes to fan the fire. Bellows like these are central pieces for blacksmiths in the transformation of metal and the production of tools, currency, and other utilitarian objects.
Period: Kingdom of Luba 1585–1889
Artist: Unknown
Dimensions: Approx H65 x W32 x D18cm
Condition: Vintage condition, with signs of wear in keeping with age
Stand: Not included
Rare figurative Luba bellows
Among the Luba, and in Africa more generally, blacksmiths are thought to work magic by transforming raw material to a finished tool or weapon, and the fire they use is also considered to be a spiritual force. Representing ancestral presence, which is often associated with wind, the head on this bellows reinforces the mystical role of the smith.
This blacksmith’s bellows is masterfully carved from a single piece of wood, showing an elegant head with a long neck and facial features typical of the Luba. The bellows has four chambers that would have been originally covered with bags made of animal skin. Usually wooden handles were used to raise and lower the skins in the bellows to force air out of the iron nozzles/tubes to fan the fire. Bellows like these are central pieces for blacksmiths in the transformation of metal and the production of tools, currency, and other utilitarian objects.
Period: Kingdom of Luba 1585–1889
Artist: Unknown
Dimensions: Approx H65 x W32 x D18cm
Condition: Vintage condition, with signs of wear in keeping with age
Stand: Not included
Rare figurative Luba bellows
Among the Luba, and in Africa more generally, blacksmiths are thought to work magic by transforming raw material to a finished tool or weapon, and the fire they use is also considered to be a spiritual force. Representing ancestral presence, which is often associated with wind, the head on this bellows reinforces the mystical role of the smith.
This blacksmith’s bellows is masterfully carved from a single piece of wood, showing an elegant head with a long neck and facial features typical of the Luba. The bellows has four chambers that would have been originally covered with bags made of animal skin. Usually wooden handles were used to raise and lower the skins in the bellows to force air out of the iron nozzles/tubes to fan the fire. Bellows like these are central pieces for blacksmiths in the transformation of metal and the production of tools, currency, and other utilitarian objects.
Period: Kingdom of Luba 1585–1889
Artist: Unknown
Dimensions: Approx H65 x W32 x D18cm
Condition: Vintage condition, with signs of wear in keeping with age
Stand: Not included
