The body of the pipes are formed from a dried, hollowed-out gourd. This acts as a water chamber or a cooling vessel for the smoke. What makes these pipes distinct is the addition of carved wooden elements. The most famous motif is the female figure. In Luba culture, women are seen as the keepers of secrets and the founders of royal lineages. The pipes are displayed in a large framed box with glass panel. The inner mount has shifted, and the glass panel has accumulated dust on the inner of the display box. Dimensions: 51.5cm x 69.5cm