Luba Elephant Helmet Mask Congo African Art

Description

Title
Luba Elephant Helmet Mask Congo African Art
Type of Object
Mask
Country of Origin
Democratic Republic of Congo
People
Luba
Materials
Wood
Approximate Age
Mid 20th century
Height (in)
23
Width (in)
12
Depth (in)
10
Overall Condition
Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Damage/Repair
Damage to top of left ear, large cracks, chips and a well worn patina
Additional Information:
A strongly carved Luba mask in the form of an elephant head.
Luba masks are called mukishi ya kuhakwa. They represent the spirit of death and usually appear as a male-female pair and dance wearing costumes made of animal skins and woven coverings. These dramatic masks are danced by the Luba during the full moon to honor their ancestors and also appear to dance at the funerals of chiefs and nobility.
Recommended Reading:
Nooter, M. N. and A. F. Roberts. 1996. Memory, Luba Art and the Making of History.
Bacquart's TRIBAL ARTS OF AFRICA and Cornet's A SURVEY OF ZAIREAN ART-THE BRONSON COLLECTION.
Constantine Petridis and Frank Hermann (Ed.),Face of the Spirits
**119824**
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