Songye-Luba Kifwebe Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jean Willy Mestach, Brussels, by 1981
William S. Rubin, New York, acquired from the above
European Private Collection, acquired from the above
Christie's, New York, November 22, 1996, lot 168
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired at the above auction

François Neyt, Arts traditionnels et histoire au Zaïre - Traditional Arts and History of Zaïre, Louvain, 1981, p. 269, fig. XIV.9
Jacques Kerchache, Jean-Louis Paudrat, and Lucien Stéphan (eds.), L'Art africain, Paris, 1988, p. 451, pl. 717
Jacques Kerchache, Jean-Louis Paudrat, and Lucien Stéphan (eds.), Die Kunst des Schwarzen Afrika, Freiburg, 1989, p. 451, pl. 717
Jacques Kerchache, Jean-Louis Paudrat, and Lucien Stéphan (eds.), Art of Africa, New York, 1993, p. 451, pl. 717
Kerry Hannon, "Out of Africa", US News and World Report, May 5, 1997, p. 73
No author listed, "Auction and Sales: Autumn and Winter 1996", The World of Tribal Arts, Vol. III, No. 4, Spring 1997, p. 27
Amy Page, "Auction Reviews: Tribal Art", Art & Auction, 1997, p. 95
Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, New York and London, 1998, p. 156, fig. 1

Very good condition for an object of this age and rare type. Minor age cracks, including one to proper right eyelids, below the nose, and around top back edge. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips throughout consistent with age and use. Shallow chipping and surface losses around interior edge of reverse. Area of loss (insect damage) to proper left edge of mouth, with chipping and abrasions around the mouth. A knot in the wood on the inside, with age cracks (not visible from front), and a smudge of mud, all not visible from the front. Some holes plugged with mud. Exceptionally fine dark brown patina with remains of white and red pigment.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The unusual aesthetic of this exceptionally fine and widely published Songye-Luba mask is an inventive departure from the classic striated kifwebe type.  The rounded face, of strong Luba characteristics with its elegantly rounded forehead, appears to flow or melt into a bib-shaped collar which would extend down over the clavicle of the wearer.  The combination of Luba and Songye styles is typical for the border region between both people and has historic roots.  Kerchache (1993: 576) notes: "The history of the [Songye] is closely linked to the Luba's, to whom they are related through common ancestors.  According to tradition, Kongolo, the founder of the first Luba empire in the sixteenth century, was a [Songye]."