Dance Mask; Carved in the round from a single piece of lightweight wood. Interior hollow. Features remarkable in that they resemble Greek and Sicilian works of the 6th Century B.C. The back of the mask, carved in terrace and striated patterns, contrasts with the smooth lateral contours of the face.

Helmet mask, 19th century

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This large mask, carved from a single piece of lightweight wood and colored black, white, and red, fit over a dancer’s head like a helmet. No information on its ceremonial usage was recorded when the mask was collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo, sometime in the early 1900s. The elaborate hairdo—three braids on either side of the face and a vertical, looped braid in back—is topped by a carved diadem, a headband-like crown of beaded raffia, characteristic of Luba chieftains.

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Luba, Dance Mask (#432)
Details
Title
Helmet mask
Role
Artist
Accession Number
53.14
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Dance Mask; Carved in the round from a single piece of lightweight wood. Interior hollow. Features remarkable in that they resemble Greek and Sicilian works of the 6th Century B.C. The back of the mask, carved in terrace and striated patterns, contrasts with the smooth lateral contours of the face.