Rooster Mask – Wood – Luba / Songye – Congo DRC

Luba / Songye bird mask from DR Congo. Here an example of male Kifwebe characterized by angular and thrusting forms, and with the entire face covered in patterns of geometric grooves that are uniquely characteristic of these masks. The object is a male mask with projecting mouth, triangular nose, pierced eyes, overall concentric linear carving, and polychrome pigments. Condition is good with traces of wear and tear. In Luba and Songye African art, the masks of the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe society sometimes appear in the form of an animal face, it is probably a rooster, a bird found in Luba iconography.

Large mask with beautiful patina of age. Provenance: former private German collection.