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Women play a central role in many Luba beliefs and hold positions of great honor. Luba and Luba-related stools, which serve as thrones, are often supported by a female figure. Some stools depict the wives, sisters and mothers of chiefs, while others are a more general representation of women as the power behind the throne and an essential link between ancestors and the living.

Among the Luba, stools are an important symbol of kingship, brought out only on rare occasions. Through the seat, the supporting figure and the base of a stool, a leader and his people are joined with the ancestors and other members of the spirit world. Many nearby groups are influenced by Luba kingship and copy their royal art forms.