Kifwebe/ Luba, DRC, circa 1940
16"H x 8"W x 7" D

Kifwebe masks are either male or female, although the term Kifwebe itself refers to a men’s society in this part of tribal Africa. Men’s masks tend to be larger with more exaggerated features and the female tend to have a flatter dimension to them­­––thus, this is most likely a male. Kifwebe masks are distinct for their layered, geometric design, and were an inspiration to Pablo Picasso and other Cubist sculptors. The white is kaolin, a clay mineral. The mask would have been worn with an elaborate, woven costume and a long raffia beard, and danced in at various ceremonies. A rare attribute to this mask is the intact nose hairs, a sign that this was definitely used as a ceremonial mask.