{"product_id":"congolese-ritual-wood-raffia-kifwebe-mask-luba-songye-drc-early-mid-20th-century","title":"Congolese Ritual Wood \u0026 Raffia Kifwebe Mask – Luba \/ Songye, DRC – Early-Mid 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional Central African Kifwebe mask from the Luba \/ Songye peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early-to-mid 20th century. Expertly carved from wood and adorned with original raffia fiber, this striking ceremonial example embodies the powerful visual language and spiritual symbolism associated with Kifwebe society masks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe rounded, domed facial form is deeply incised with concentric striations radiating outward across the surface, creating the hypnotic optical effect characteristic of authentic Kifwebe masks. The contrasting white pigmentation and darkened facial features accentuate the narrow slit eyes, projecting nose ridge, and squared mouth, giving the work a commanding sculptural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis softer circular form is associated with female Kifwebe masks, traditionally linked to fertility, healing, protection, and social harmony. Such masks were used in ritual dances, funerary ceremonies, initiations, and performances intended to channel spiritual authority and maintain communal order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe surviving raffia elements add excellent authenticity and display appeal, enhancing the mask’s dramatic ceremonial character. A highly decorative and collectible African tribal artwork with strong gallery presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Luba \/ Songye, Democratic Republic of the Congo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early to mid-20th century\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved wood, pigment, raffia fiber\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMask Diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12.75 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaffia Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7 inches additional\u003cbr\u003eHand-carved ceremonial example\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOld loss to the interior rim not affecting display. Stable age crack along the edge of the mask with expected abrasions to the nose and crest. Raffia shows fraying and areas of loss consistent with age and ceremonial use. Excellent overall presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrivate Boulder, Colorado collection, acquired from Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, in 2023. Previously from the collection of Dr. Arnold R. Saslow, South Orange, New Jersey.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"African","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53224565637487,"sku":null,"price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/6967\/5375\/files\/s-l1600-58.jpg?v=1784421950","url":"https:\/\/www.lybrothersfineart.com\/products\/congolese-ritual-wood-raffia-kifwebe-mask-luba-songye-drc-early-mid-20th-century","provider":"L\/Y Brothers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}