Click Here for New Arrivals! African mask: The Luba empire founded in 1585, was the result of the unification of a large number of smaller chiefdoms. At its' peak about 1 million people were paying tribute to the Luba king. At the end of the 19th century the empire collapsed at the hands of the Belgian colonials. A secret society “Bambudye,” kept the memory of the once great and powerful Luba empire alive. Kifwebe masks, also attributed to the BaSongye people, were used in a Luba dance called “Makaye a Kifwebe” which means “dance of the mask.” The kifwebe was used when the chief of a village either died or was newly appointed or when an important dignitary arrived at the village. Kifwebe masks vary greatly but in general are characterized by concise linear patterns. The facial components include a wide and pronounce nose, oversized eyes with enlarged eyelids and a protruding box-like mouth detailed with an “X” marking at the end. Pigmentation is often found, as in this case, where an attractive dark brown and tan combination was chosen. The mask is female as evidenced by the round shape and the lack of a frontal head crest. Crafted from a single piece of hollowed out hard wood this kifwebe is in good condition. Please click photo for enlargement! See another photo and Order button below. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Sold
Dimensions: 9 inches deep with an inner diameter of 15 1/4 x 16 1/2 inches. Wt: 11 lbs. shipping **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** |
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