Zoömorphic Leopard mask – Wood – Congo

Rare Luba zoomorphic mask from the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe company. This African mask represents a feline and more precisely a leopard, a mythical animal.

The Lubas or Baluba are a people of Central Africa established mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, precisely in the current provinces of Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, Sankuru, Lomami, Kasai-Central and in the former province of Katanga. In the former years they constitute one of the largest populations. Some communities also live in neighbouring countries in Southern Africa, notably Zambia and Angola.

Provenance: Justin Barthels (1934-2021), gallery owner Maastricht (NL). Ex owner of a Salampasu mask DR Congo Estimated 60.000 – 90.000 USD by Sotheby`s. Source: (https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/africanoceanic-n08858/lot.189.html)