Unknown
Male Mask, Possibly Representing a Sparrow Hawk (Kilume Kabemba Kifwebe)early to mid-20th century

On view:

Geffen Galleries, The Power of Objects in West and Central Africa

No image

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Male Mask, Possibly Representing a Sparrow Hawk (Kilume Kabemba Kifwebe)
Culture: Eastern Luba Group
Place Made: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanganyika Province, Kabalo, Manono, Kiambi Regions
Date Made: early to mid-20th century
Medium: Wood and natural pigments
Dimensions: Height: 18 7/8 in. (48 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Woods Davy and Kathleen Dantini
Accession Number: M.2025.72.1
Classification: Jewelry and Adornments
Collecting Area: African Art
Curatorial Notes: The kifwebe is a distinctive mask form that combines an active linear system of groove patterns and the powerful expression of various emotions. With its unyielding gaze and commanding presence, the kifwebe conveys an “otherworldly beingness,” blending human, animal, and supernatural elements. Used by secret societies to enforce social order, the mask symbolizes the spirits of the dead and the battle between good and evil. This example can be identified with the Eastern Luba of the Kabalo region. Distinctive regional features include the rounded head, with more linear planes in the lower face; narrow eyes emphasized in black; a centerline running from the top of the head to the nose; and a square, protruding mouth. The “antenna” at the top of the head is intended to detect negative spirits. An unusual set of four grooves form a knot pattern between the nose and mouth, perhaps to remind initiates to maintain silence. The fastening holes along the mask’s border would have served to secure a vegetable-fiber suit.

Unknown
Male Mask, Possibly Representing a Sparrow Hawk (Kilume Kabemba Kifwebe)early to mid-20th century

On view:

Geffen Galleries, The Power of Objects in West and Central Africa

No image

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Male Mask, Possibly Representing a Sparrow Hawk (Kilume Kabemba Kifwebe)
Culture: Eastern Luba Group
Place Made: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanganyika Province, Kabalo, Manono, Kiambi Regions
Date Made: early to mid-20th century
Medium: Wood and natural pigments
Dimensions: Height: 18 7/8 in. (48 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Woods Davy and Kathleen Dantini
Accession Number: M.2025.72.1
Classification: Jewelry and Adornments
Collecting Area: African Art
Curatorial Notes: The kifwebe is a distinctive mask form that combines an active linear system of groove patterns and the powerful expression of various emotions. With its unyielding gaze and commanding presence, the kifwebe conveys an “otherworldly beingness,” blending human, animal, and supernatural elements. Used by secret societies to enforce social order, the mask symbolizes the spirits of the dead and the battle between good and evil. This example can be identified with the Eastern Luba of the Kabalo region. Distinctive regional features include the rounded head, with more linear planes in the lower face; narrow eyes emphasized in black; a centerline running from the top of the head to the nose; and a square, protruding mouth. The “antenna” at the top of the head is intended to detect negative spirits. An unusual set of four grooves form a knot pattern between the nose and mouth, perhaps to remind initiates to maintain silence. The fastening holes along the mask’s border would have served to secure a vegetable-fiber suit.