African Arts Gallery

Large mask with rounded volumes, split with long eyelids. Velvety matte patina, desiccation cracks.
In the south-eastern region of Katanga, around the 1960s, the Zela, long subject to the Lubas whose customs and rites they borrowed, carved animal masks, like the Lubas and the Kundas. In 1970, the kifwebe company was subjected to a transformation which was accompanied by new masks. In the Zela and Kundas groups, however, this type of mask was manifested during secular theatrical ceremonies involving tales. br /> Established between the Luvua River and Lake Kisalé, they are today organized into four chiefdoms under the supervision of leaders of Luba origin. They venerate a primordial couple frequently represented in statuary, mythical ancestors, and dedicate offerings to the spirits of nature. ( Luba , Roberts, 5 Continents; "Treasures of Africa" ed. of the Museum of Tervuren; "Kifwebe" F. Neyt, ed 5Continents).