Kifwebe Moon Mask - Zaire, Democratic Republic Of The Congo - First Half Of The 20th Century
Kifwebe MOON MASK
Luba culture, Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo
First half of the 20th century
Wood, horsehair and pigments
H.: 25; W.: 19.5 cm
A round, domed mask carved from a single piece of wood, evoking the moon.
Three spirits are associated with Kifwebe masks: two male and one female – of whom this mask is a representation.
According to legend, the incised bands pigmented with white kaolin refer to the chasm from which they emerged, and where the spiritual world begins.
This highly expressive mask features a square, prominent mouth; its nasal ridge, with incised nostrils, extends up to the forehead to form a crest; the eyes, with half-closed eyelids, open slightly into two horizontal slits.
The whole is incised with bands arranged concentrically around the nasal axis of symmetry.
This mask was worn during initiation rituals heralding the new moon.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref.: 7054
Luba culture, Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo
First half of the 20th century
Wood, horsehair and pigments
H.: 25; W.: 19.5 cm
A round, domed mask carved from a single piece of wood, evoking the moon.
Three spirits are associated with Kifwebe masks: two male and one female – of whom this mask is a representation.
According to legend, the incised bands pigmented with white kaolin refer to the chasm from which they emerged, and where the spiritual world begins.
This highly expressive mask features a square, prominent mouth; its nasal ridge, with incised nostrils, extends up to the forehead to form a crest; the eyes, with half-closed eyelids, open slightly into two horizontal slits.
The whole is incised with bands arranged concentrically around the nasal axis of symmetry.
This mask was worn during initiation rituals heralding the new moon.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref.: 7054
980 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Excellent condition
Reference (ID): 1747412
Availability: In stock
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