superb mask - Luba - DRC Congo (No reserve price)

Luba rooster mask - Sold
Animal masks in African art
In Songye African art there are fairly rare animal masks that distinguish themselves from the classic variants of the famous kifwebe masks of the bwadi bwa Kifwebe society.

Among the Luba, this traditional mask was used to connect the spirits of the ancestors with those of nature. It also participated in rites during which the bifwebe masks danced. In the 1970s, animal masks saw increased display among the Luba and particularly the Zela.

As with other Songye and Luba masks, this one was worn with a rope costume and vegetal fibers.