1 / 6
Photo 1/6 du lotPhoto 2/6 du lotPhoto 3/6 du lotPhoto 4/6 du lotPhoto 5/6 du lotPhoto 6/6 du lot
Premium Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

112 - Kifwebe mask - Songye Luba - D. R. Congo - France
See original version (French)

Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
Sale commission
Description
Kifwebe mask - Songye Luba - D. R. Congo - France Provenance: From the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. The objects presented in this sale come from the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of major Belgian artist Constant Permeke. Kept within the family for several decades, this set bears witness to a provenance directly linked to one of Belgium's most important artistic lineages of the 20th century. Dimensions: H. 33 cm (51 cm with stand) - Materials: Wood An important Kifwebe mask with a remarkable formal architecture. The elongated face is entirely covered with the striated decoration characteristic of this sculptural tradition, consisting of fine herringbone incisions enhanced with black and white polychrome. The almond-shaped eyes are set in a powerful horizontal band, while the rectilinear nasal bridge extends along the central axis of the mask to a quadrangular tubular mouth, treated in high relief. The balance of the volumes, the sobriety of the modelling and the quality of the engraving give this work a particularly striking presence. The regularity of the striations, perfectly adapted to the curved surfaces of the face, enliven the sculpture with a subtle play of light and shadow that reinforces its expressive character. Associated with initiation societies and ritual manifestations of power, Kifwebe masks occupy a major place in the arts of Central Africa. They were used in public ceremonies, where their appearance, accompanied by elaborate dances and costumes, signalled the presence of spiritual and ancestral forces. This example stands out for the purity of its lines, the finesse of its execution and the elegance of its preserved polychromy. It is a very fine example of the masked statuary of the Songye-Luba peoples and bears witness to the aesthetic power for which Kifwebe masks are internationally renowned. Beautiful old patina. Minor wear and alterations consistent with the age and ritual use of the object.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like