Bow and arrow rest (Luba)

The branching in the form of a trident goes back to ordinary metal stands on which hunters laid their bows and arrows. For the Luba, beautifully decorated bow and arrow rests carved from wood were higly sacred symbols of rank and power. They referred to the founder of their king, the mythical hunter Mbidi Kiluwe. A female dignitary kept the bow stands in the royal residence with the greatest of secrecy. They were regularly coated in oil as an offering.