Tomkins Collection

Mask, kifwebe

TC 178
Provenance: John Giltsoff, Girona, 1999  Sotheby’s, New York  Merton Simpson, New York  Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
Dimensions: H. 36 cm
Ethnic Group:

Kifwebe masks were used in dance ceremonies by the Songye and Luba. “The left side of the mask represents the moon, the right side, the sun; and the striations are their rays. The nose is the tree of life; the mouth-the beak of a bird, a sorcerer’s fire, or the everted lips of a forceful speaker; and the chin or beard is a symbol of wisdom and strength.” (Newton 2001:162)

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