Antique Kifwebe Luba/Baluba Songye Tribe Mask DRC Africa Congo Wood Art Carving. This piece is a antique rare African Congo DRC Baluba / Luba Songye original round tribal mask from 19th–mid-20th century. Made of wood & paint/natural dyes.
In excellent condition for it's age with lots of natural coloring left and the original rattan. Striated face masks known as kifwebe was historically created by sculptors in an area of the Zaire River Basin inhabited by both Songye and Luba communities, the round striated Luba kifwebe function within benevolent practices that purify the community of the evil spirits. In performance, this mask was complemented by a costume ensemble comprising woven textiles, animal pelts, and plant fibers, which covered the dancer’s body.
Measures
35cm W x 32cm L x 24cm D w/rattan 58cm L (close approximation)
Weighs 1300gr