Luba-Songye, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ceremonial Mask. Luba and Songye ethnic groups are related to common ancestors.  According to tradition, Kongolo, the founder of the first Luba Empire in the sixteenth century was a Songye. Having waged war against one another for a long time, the Songye and Luba later formed an alliance to fight the Arabs. This unusual, mysterious mask came from the Luba-Songye cultural region. Its meaning and use are not known.

Material: wood

Size: H. 12½”, W. 10”, D. 7”

Price: $245 + $30 (S&H)                                                   [#N3S7M927]