House mask "kifwebe" ·  R. D. Congo, Luba · ID: 3037144

Description

wood, matt patina, dark paint remains, kaolin, flatly worked with a high, board-shaped crest, ornamental mask face with sickle-shaped ornaments, traces of abrasion, min. dam. at the rim;
very rare type!
The “kifwebe” society was probably founded in the northern area of Shaba (Katanga), where Songe- and Luba groups are interfered with each other; the masks are interpreted as incarnations of bizarre heterogenous beings, besides witchcraft and magic they are the most powerful instrument of the society.