Description : Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. One of my favorite masks, skillfully carved from a single piece of wood with meticulously delineated linear incisions covering the face, a protruding nose set between slitted almond-shaped eyes, a raised chin sporting a smile, and a long beard-like element beneath it. Above the forehead is a sweet bird (almost carved in the round) with a incised plumage, elegant eyes, and a long beak. Luba masks are quite rare and some, like this example, are very similar in appearance to the Kifwebe masks used by the Songye peoples - the main difference being that they present more rounded features than Kifwebe masks. A very strong example, its surface further embellished with red and chocolate brown pigment. Quite special! Size: 13 L x 9 W (33 cm x 22.9 cm)
Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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#131646
Price: 560.25 USDIt's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1500 USDIt's free to register now to view!
About the lot N° 119 Title : 20Th C. African Luba Wooden Mask - Face & Bird Condition report : Expected surface wear with scuffs and abraded areas commensurate with age. Artemis Gallery, auctioneer, Louisville, USIt's free to register now to view! Sale title : Ancient / Ethnographic From Around The World Sale date : 17 Apr 2018It's free to register now to view! Sale Reference : Live Sale