A bust-shaped anthropomorphic amulet-whistle. Carved as a bust, this very ancient amulet, a pendant attached by a cord that has left its mark around the neck of the figure holding a stylized object in front of it, was certainly also a whistle. It is much rarer than other classic and easily recognizable Luba amulets. So old as to be virtually obliterated, the still visible volumes of two quadrangular bulges of ancient temporal scarification still stand out under its superb honey-colored patina, as do its large closed eyes engraved in a half-moon shape, so characteristic of the ancient Luba and Hemba kingdoms. The figure is carrying an object with his arms folded in front of him, and his hairstyle ends in a braid that falls to the back and echoes the shape of the object held in front. According to Allen F. Roberts and Mary Nooter Roberts, these Luba amulets are real portraits carved in honor and memory of venerated ancestors. The position of the arms folded forward embodies respect, quiet strength, and the preservation of traditional and sacred secrets. Luba, Democratic Republic of Congo Ivory, significant old oxidation, wear, small accidents (old breaks and a more recent tinted one visible on the front), seems to be repolished on the underside, superb old patina. H. 6.4 cm See pp. 108-110 for other amulets and a Luba anthropomorphic whistle in: Memory, Luba Art and The Making of History, Ed. The Museum for African Art New York, Prestel 1996. Provenance : - Galerie Robert Duperrier - Henri Bigorne Collection - Jean Roudillon Collection