Kifwebe Luba Mask - SOLD OUT
The Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe masculine society was in charge of the enforcement of social order among the Songye and the Luba. The so-called Kifwebe masks were used to reinforce the powers of witchcraft (buchi) and magic (masende) of the chiefs. These masks were supposed to ensure health and grant supernatural powers to the members of the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe society.
According to some sources, these masks were also taken out for funerary ceremonies of chiefs and for initiation rites of young boys. This African mask presents beautiful regular striations, as well as a symmetrical facies. Very lovely balance of the volumes of this piece, which could have inspired the famous artists of the Western contemporary art.
00606
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 22 x 22 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
The Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe masculine society was in charge of the enforcement of social order among the Songye and the Luba. The so-called Kifwebe masks were used to reinforce the powers of witchcraft (buchi) and magic (masende) of the chiefs. These masks were supposed to ensure health and grant supernatural powers to the members of the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe society.
According to some sources, these masks were also taken out for funerary ceremonies of chiefs and for initiation rites of young boys. This African mask presents beautiful regular striations, as well as a symmetrical facies. Very lovely balance of the volumes of this piece, which could have inspired the famous artists of the Western contemporary art.