A large ancient dance mask from the SUKUMA tribe of northern Tanzania. Mid 20th century. powerful expression The Sukuma are a Bantu ethnic group inhabiting the south-eastern African Great Lakes region in Tanzania. Sukuma means “north” and refers to “people of the north. Sukuma masks served various purposes in society,…
Songye panel with Named after the men’s society and its mask, Kifwebe controlled the behavior of women and children and collected and redistributed wealth.
Used for Ceremonies the Whiteness is associated with positive characters (purity, goodness, light, breast milk …). The function of these Luba masks is beneficial; their dance must animate protective spirits. Height : 58x26cm Material : Wood , Pigment Provenance : Private Collection EStimated Age : early 20th Century
This mask was used by the Nkunda secret society for the initiation of young men into adulthood. Height : 28x19cm Material : Wood , Pigment . Estimated age : 20th Century