Wood and fibers, 95 cm high. An expressive example of the animal kifwebe masks. The kifwebe society was found in an area of the Zaire River Basin inhabited by both Songye and Luba communities. Significant departures in the role and formal interpretation of this sculptural genre subsequently developed in each culture. In both instances, Kifwebe masks participated in initiations and played a role in establishing order in society. Round striated Luba kifwebe function within benevolent practices that purify the community of the evil spirits of sorcerers. In performance, this mask was complemented by a costume ensemble comprising woven textiles, animal pelts, and plant fibers, which covered the dancer's body.(1) (VJ)

Provenance:
Philippe Laeremans, Brussels 2005;
Collection Sargos, Nancy.

Published:
'Arts et Traditions d'Afrique, profane et sacre' Hazan Paris, 2010, Pg.259 nr 6.46;
"Afrique de la pensée magique au miracle de l'art", Paris: Hazan, 2008:128, #6.20.

Exhibited:
"Afrique de la pensée magique au miracle de l'art", Biarritz 2008;
Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Agen 'Arts et Traditions d'Afrique, profane et sacre', Agen 2010.

Cf. For a similar one see Metropolitain mask Accession Number: 1979.206.5.