Lot 262
**Originally Listed At $300**
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba (Baluba) / Songye culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A striking ceremonial mask carved from wood and adorned with raffia, traditionally associated with female Kifwebe masks. This rounded form features a domed face incised with concentric striations radiating outward from the center, painted in white to emphasize its hypnotic visual effect. Contrasting dark tones highlight the lentoid slit eyes, prominent central ridge of the nose, and square mouth. Kifwebe masks were worn during ritual dances, funerary rites, and new moon ceremonies to maintain social order, repel malevolent forces, and initiate members into secret societies. The circular shape and softened features of this form probably convey feminine energy, often linked to fertility, healing, and protection. Used by both the Luba and Songye peoples, Kifwebe masks remain powerful symbols of spiritual and communal authority. Size of wood mask: 12.75" Diameter (32.4 cm); raffia tassels adds about: 7" L (17.8 cm)
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, acquired from Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA in 2023; ex Dr Arnold R. Saslow, South Orange, New Jersey, USA.
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#193766
- Condition: Old loss to the interior rim, but does not affect presentation. Stable pressure crack to edge of mask and some abrasions to nose and crest Fraying and losses to raffia.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |