Luba Kifwebe mask
The round masks of the Luba in African art
The Luba carve masks as part of the bwadi bwa Kifwebe society. They are recognized by their generally softer shapes than those of their neighbors Songye or Kalebwe. A more specific type of Luba Kifwebe mask is made up of squarely round masks. There is nevertheless the cubist aspect and the streaks encrusted with kaolin.
The bwadi bwa kifwebe was in charge of maintaining socio-political order among the Songye, Luba and Kalebwe. In this context, the masks gave their wearer the power necessary to accomplish their mission. They also went out during initiation and funeral rites. The mask was accompanied by an imposing braided raffia headdress, and the wearer covered with a vegetable costume as seen in the attached photos.
For more information, see the book Les masques ronds des Luba, J. VOLPER.
01457
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1950
- Size
- 27,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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The round masks of the Luba in African art
The Luba carve masks as part of the bwadi bwa Kifwebe society. They are recognized by their generally softer shapes than those of their neighbors Songye or Kalebwe. A more specific type of Luba Kifwebe mask is made up of squarely round masks. There is nevertheless the cubist aspect and the streaks encrusted with kaolin.
The bwadi bwa kifwebe was in charge of maintaining socio-political order among the Songye, Luba and Kalebwe. In this context, the masks gave their wearer the power necessary to accomplish their mission. They also went out during initiation and funeral rites. The mask was accompanied by an imposing braided raffia headdress, and the wearer covered with a vegetable costume as seen in the attached photos.
For more information, see the book Les masques ronds des Luba, J. VOLPER.