Luba Kifwebe mask - SOLD OUT
Kifwebe Luba mask in African Art
A striking wooden Kifwebe mask of the Luba. The round face of the mask is also carved as to be dome shaped with the facial features spreading over the form to give the impression of a youthful individual. The eyes dominate the mask and are lentoid in shape and half closed with black pigment to the surface, with projecting horizontal line running from the eyes to the edge of the mask. The nose is short and wedge shaped and has a small crest running up the forehead. The mouth is small and projects forward slightly. The entire surface is engraved with striated lines and covered in white pigment. To the sides ate a series of holes for the attachment of a raffia collar.
The rounded form, liberal application of bright white pigment and the gender of the mask being female hint that this mask represents a spirit associated with the moon. masks of this type were worn during rituals celebrating the appearance of the new moon. There are three primary spirits associated with the kifwebe masks, and legend tells that they emerged from a ditch near a lake. The female spirit went to live among humans, whereas the two males stayed in the bush, only venturing into the villages when initiations were to take place. the grooves on the faces of these masks represent the ditches from which the spirits emerged, and which symbolize the spiritual world that can be accessed during special ceremonies.
01285
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- 37 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Condition
- Excellent
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Kifwebe Luba mask in African Art
A striking wooden Kifwebe mask of the Luba. The round face of the mask is also carved as to be dome shaped with the facial features spreading over the form to give the impression of a youthful individual. The eyes dominate the mask and are lentoid in shape and half closed with black pigment to the surface, with projecting horizontal line running from the eyes to the edge of the mask. The nose is short and wedge shaped and has a small crest running up the forehead. The mouth is small and projects forward slightly. The entire surface is engraved with striated lines and covered in white pigment. To the sides ate a series of holes for the attachment of a raffia collar.
The rounded form, liberal application of bright white pigment and the gender of the mask being female hint that this mask represents a spirit associated with the moon. masks of this type were worn during rituals celebrating the appearance of the new moon. There are three primary spirits associated with the kifwebe masks, and legend tells that they emerged from a ditch near a lake. The female spirit went to live among humans, whereas the two males stayed in the bush, only venturing into the villages when initiations were to take place. the grooves on the faces of these masks represent the ditches from which the spirits emerged, and which symbolize the spiritual world that can be accessed during special ceremonies.