LUBA MASKS, DRC

LUBA Mask 4 22" with raffia $300

LUBA Mask 12 27" with raffia $350

LUBA Mask 15 18" with raffia $300

LUBA Mask 16 12.5" high $300

LUBA Mask 18 10" high $300

LUBA Mask 21 10.5" high $200

LUBA Mask 22 10.25" high $150

LUBA Mask 23 10" high $150

LUBA Mask 24 13" high $150

Of the several different mask types used by the Luba, this type of bowl-shaped mask elaborated with parallel grooves was worn with a raffia costume and danced in male/female couples representing spirits, kijwebe, which connect this world with the spirit world. Masks like these were used to mark important periods of social transition and transformation, they appeared at the death of a chief or other eminent person.

None of these masks show signs of having actually been danced. Despite their appearance they were probably made to be sold.