Luba Songye cock mask
Animal masks in African art
There are rather rare animal masks in Songye African art that differ from the classic variations of the famous kifwebe masks from the bwadi bwa Kifwebe company.
The one I offer here clearly represents a rooster with its crenellated crest and barbs encrusted with red pigment, its arched beak and its piercing eyes.
Among the Luba, this traditional mask served to connect the spirit of ancestors and those of nature. He also participated in the rites during which the bifwebe masks danced. In the 1970s, animal masks saw their exposure increase among the Luba and in particular the Zela.
Like the other Songye and Luba masks, this one was worn accompanied by a costume of rope and vegetable fibers.
For more information: Kifwebe: a century of Songye and Luba masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents
01554
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1970
- Size
- 54 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Animal masks in African art
There are rather rare animal masks in Songye African art that differ from the classic variations of the famous kifwebe masks from the bwadi bwa Kifwebe company.
The one I offer here clearly represents a rooster with its crenellated crest and barbs encrusted with red pigment, its arched beak and its piercing eyes.
Among the Luba, this traditional mask served to connect the spirit of ancestors and those of nature. He also participated in the rites during which the bifwebe masks danced. In the 1970s, animal masks saw their exposure increase among the Luba and in particular the Zela.
Like the other Songye and Luba masks, this one was worn accompanied by a costume of rope and vegetable fibers.
For more information: Kifwebe: a century of Songye and Luba masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents