African masks

This is an African mask, made by the Baluba (Luba) people, in Central Africa. It was made out of beads, wood and hammered bronze. Its diameter is 29.21 cm, and it costs approximately 131.62 euros.  It is handmade, thus making it unique and more expensive.

I actually didn’t think much when choosing this mask. I went on Google, goggled ‘African masks’ and looked through the bunch. I chose this one, because it reminded me of two things: The whole thing itself to a squinting chubby person, and the eyes to this one over here:

yeah, I am actually not sure if he’s squinting or not… how are you supposed to see through that?

These types of masks were usually used for ceremonies and regular festivities, funerals, initiations (where the young are accepted into the adult community) and religious spiritual festivities. The masks in general are just plain creepy. They were made that way, (some of them) to keep away evil spirits. They have also inspired many artists, including Picasso.

 The masks, kifwebe in name, as said before were made by the Luba people. Their origins come from three spirits emerged from a ditch near a lake. The female spirit went to live amongst the humans, whom she found interesting. The two male spirits stayed behind, but visited the human village frequently, and eventually, dazzled begged for initiation. The masks that represent this tale come in many shapes and sizes, but tend to have linear patterns all over the face. When used in a religious dance, with the raffia costume, representing the spirits emerged from the ditch, they are said to connect this world and the spirit one. They are also said to have healing abilities.

The masks show in African art style and their connections to their spirits, beliefs, and costumes.

Below is a video showing how a tribe makes a mask from the start