Kuba Divination Wooden Figure Congo

The Kuba people, also known as Bakuba, reside along the Sankuru River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with their Kuba Kingdom reaching its height in the mid-19th century. Their migration in the 16th century led to interactions with the Twa people, who were eventually absorbed into the Kuba Kingdom while retaining some cultural distinctiveness. Despite European contact in 1884, the Kuba Kingdom remained relatively isolated from the transatlantic slave trade. However, the late 19th-century Nsapo invasion led to the fragmentation of the Kuba Kingdom. Known for intricate artistic traditions, the Kuba people carve miniature figures depicting aspects of their life, contributing to their rich cultural heritage, which continues to be appreciated globally.

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