Mask (1) - Wood - Bifwebe "masque de case" - Luba - Congo DRC

Ex. private collection - Paris - France, circa 1920-1930 Size: 19x16x9cm Weight: 0,2kg Very nice small round Luba mask in very good condition Only round, monochrome masks are easily attributed to the Luba. Here, the whiteness of the lines is associated with positive characters (purity, goodness, light, breast milk . . .) . The function of these Luba masks is beneficial; their dance must animate protective spirits. The colors have a symbolic, like the forms, they indicate the "sex" of the mask but also its magic potential. Black is associated with the occult qualities of the mask. The black streaks would be intended to hide the malicious aspects of the mask to the uninitiated. Red is associated with blood, flesh, fire but also with courage, vigor, knowledge White indicates always a form of benevolence.