Luba Ceremonial Mask
Democratic Republic of the Congo
A mask constructed along a vertical axis, the form contained within a circular planar field and organised through four radiating surface divisions.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, a vertical ridge projects along the central axis, dividing the face into bilateral fields. Projecting circular eye surrounds are set symmetrically to either side, each pierced by a horizontal slit. A rectangular projecting block extends below, its face carved in stepped horizontal planes. The surface is organised in four radiating fields inset with sheet brass panels, bordered by applied triangular and lozenge-form elements. The brass panels are worked with repeated linear incision. The perimeter is defined by a continuous rim.
Surface is compact and stable, with patina concentrated across the wood; brass panels show exposure at raised planes.
Context
Within Luba practice, masks of this type function within initiation structures.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1984.
Details
- Title
- Luba Ceremonial Mask
- Culture
- Luba
- Origin
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 51 cm (20.1 in) · W 49 cm (19.3 in) · D 23 cm (9.1 in)
- Medium
- Wood, sheet brass
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1984.
- Condition
- Stable patina; exposure at projecting wood elements; brass panels abraded at raised planes.
