The Lulua "carve small, emaciated crouching human figures, which are intended to ward off disease and to act as an intermediary with the afterworld." (Felix 1987: 88)

Provenance:
Christie's Amsterdam. December 12, 2000: lot 329
Josef Herman, England

Publishing History:
William Buller Fagg, with a foreword by Josef Herman. Minature Wood Carvings of Africa. Bath. Adams & Dart, 1970: 89, fig.86.

Edinburgh. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. African and New Guinea Sculpture from the Josef Herman Collection: paintings and drawings by Josef Herman. 19 July-17 August 1969: no.33.

Exhibition History:
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh. 19 July-17 August 1969.