Mask

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Culture Luba

Title Mask (Kifwebe)

Date 19th–20th century

Medium Wood and pigment

Dimensions Object: 15 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 8 1/4 in. (39.4 × 39.4 × 21 cm)
Overall: 15 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 8 1/4 in. (39.4 × 39.4 × 21 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 79.42

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About this Work

This kifwebe mask created by the Luba peoples was used in connection with the Bwadi bwa Kifwebe society, which worked to confront and eliminate sorcery from the community. These masks were worn at important moments within the community such as the death of a chief and rites celebrating the new moon or honoring ancestors. The masks were presented in male and female pairs.

This mask is the representation of a benevolent spirits that would function as a healer and work to expel ghosts and sorcerers from the community. The mask would be worn with an elaborate costume made of animal skins and raffia.

Provenance
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Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Mask | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=79.42