African tribal art kusu stool from democratic republic of congo

Description

Title
African tribal art kusu stool from democratic republic of congo
Types of object
Stool
County of origin
Democratic Republic of congo
People
Kusu
Materials
Wood
Approximate size
35 cm - 13.9 inches high/21 cm-8.2 inches wide.
KUSU TRIBAL INFORMATION
LOCATION
Southeastern Congo (Zaire)
POPULATION
60 000
LANGUAGE
KiKusu (central Bantu)
NEIGHBORING PEOPLES
Songye, Hemba, Kuba, Tetela, Luba
TYPES OF ART
Much of Kusu sculpture is comparable to their neighbors, from the Lubaized chief's stools and Songye-like power figures, to the Hemba-influenced ancestor figures. Women also make pottery and baskestry, which is used in everyday life.
HISTORY
Kusu history is shared with the Nkutshu and Tetela, all of whom came from the northwest of their current location and share a Mongo-Kundu origin. Their first movement was southward, then they moved back north through Luba, Songye, and Hemba territory, acquiring social customs and learning artistic styles along the way. Once arrived in their new location they split into two major factions divided into north and south they then further divided into smaller groups, which remain largely separated and independent to this day due to their geographic isolation. The groups in the south have been more influenced by the Songye and the Luba, which is evident in their sculpture styles.
ECONOMY
The Kusu, who in the past were hunters, have in recent years embraced a more sedentary lifestyle that includes farming on land that is cleared by men. They raise maize, yams, beans, and also domesticated animals, including cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. Fishing is performed by both men and women using nets fashioned by men, and hunting is still considered to be of ritual importance and serves as a powerful metaphor in most communities.
POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The Kusu are split into small villages that are relatively isolated from one another, particularly in the south, where Luba influence is most strongly felt. The villages are further divided into castes in which the blacksmiths are influential. Investiture ceremonies for chiefs are similar to those practiced among the Luba, but there is no paramount chief who oversees all of the Kusu. Instead there are a series of village leaders who inherit their positions of power.
RELIGION
Kusu religious practice has been greatly influenced by their neighbors. They recognize a supreme being (Vilie) and share a common belief in the power of the ancestors, despite their geographical differences. They worship various nature spirits that can be traced to their Mongo origins, recognize ancestor cults that have been borrowed from the Hemba and the Luba, and fashion and use powerful magical figures similar to those found among the Songye. There is an initiation society, which is primarily aimed at educating people about the evils of witchcraft, and there are also diviners that are consulted for matters of importance
Please note I will give discount on combined shipping if purchasing multiple items you pay the full cost of the highest postage item and each additional item I reduce as follows:items
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Please note I do combined shipping as follows:
: I charge for each additional item where postage is:
15 USD I reduce to 10 USD
20 USD I  reduced to 14 USD
25 USD I reduce to 16 USD
30 USD   I reduce to 20 USD
35 USD I reduce to 25 USD
40 USD I reduce to 29 USD
45 USD I reduced to 30 USD
50 USD I reduce to 34 USD
55 USD I reduce to 37 USD
60 USD I  reduce to 41 USD
65 USD I reduce to 43 USD
70 USD I  reduce to 46 USD
75 USD I reduce to  49 USD
80  USD I reduce to 55 USD
I also look the combine weight and reduce further where possible
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In addition to offering combined shipping.  Please contact me if shipping to Europe as I can adjust the shipping to a lower cost