African Arts Gallery

Mask of modest proportions depicting a face with fine features, shared with linear scarifications crossing the forehead, the temples, and the cheeks. Circular ear flaps frame the face.
Honey brown patina, abrasions and desication cracks.
Height on base: 34 cm.

The Luba dominated the Tabwa in the region along Lake Tanganyika, between Zaire and Zambia. "Tabwa" or "being tied down" presumably refers to the system of slavery once practiced by Islamic merchants.
The Tabwa later regained their independence through the riches provided by the ivory trade. Just as the influence of the Luba is perceptible in the societies and rites of the Tabwa, the Tanzanian tribes have also marked the Tabwa statuary with regard to geometric decorative motifs.