|
Home | ||||||||
|
Luba wooden mask for 'Buyembe' Society browse these categories for related items... All Items: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: African: Sculpture: Pre 1950: item # 911332 Please refer to our stock # L464 when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $10,000.00 |
|
|||||||
| There is an avi-form quality to this rare, otherwise, anthropomorphic mask. It was used by members of a Luba healing society known as 'Buyembe.' These specialists worked closely with royal 'Bilumbu' diviners. When a 'Bilumbu' diviner determined the cause of a client's misfortune, a 'Buyembe' member was usually called upon to make a medicinal cure for the distraught individual. Many prescriptions involved powerful ingredients added to increase one's life force. We can assume this mask was part of a ritual involving administered medicines, but little else is known of its usage since these activities took place in total secrecy, witnessed by no one outside of the association. A superb darkened and varied, shiny patina enhances the beautiful carving. The interior is especially notable for its glowing, adze-carved surface. A rarely seen mask in African collections of Luba material. 19.25" H x 9.25" W. Excellent condition. Mounted. Collected in the 1960's. Provenance: Fine, old Florida private collection. | ||||||||
|
