Congolese Luba People Village Protection Charm: "Mboko" Bowl Holder

This Congolese "Mboko", or bowl bearer figure, is a power figure owned by the  Luba People village's diviner who used it to hold the sacred white chalk, "mpembe," necessary in the divination process. The bearer figure represents the female spirits who, according to the Luba, play the role of intermediaries between the living and the spirit world. The kneeling position is symbol of devotion.

The function of the mboko figure is to beg these spirits to protect, rescue and assist the living. Through these sculptures, the diviner calls for the help and assistance of the spirits. The diviner places different objects in the mboko's bowl. Then he shakes her and analyzes the position of the different objects in the bowl to seek knowledge of the future and to recommend certain actions.
Source:
http://www.africadirect.com/carvings/luba/luba-kneeling-female-figure-with-bowl-miniature-dr-congo.html
http://www.zyama.com/Collection/pics L-P.htm