kifwebe Wood, pigments height 13 3/4in (35cm) Provenance Reportedly collected by Damien Reeners in 1937 Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels Didier Claes, Brussels Patric Didier Claes, Brussels Robert and Nancy Nooter Collection, Washington, D.C. "Masks such as this are uncommon and are sometimes confused with the better-known striated masks of Songye and related peoples. Indeed, striated masks used by some Northern Luba groups are probably related formally to the more common masks of their Songye neighbors. The black-and-white stripes may mirror the symbolism that informs Songye masks and may refer to bush-bucks, zebras, and other animals that Luba consider to be ambiguous." [Masterpieces from Central Africa, Gustaaf Verswijver, et. al. (eds), p. 176] Of classic, deeply hollowed and semi-spherical form meant to represent the moon for the use in rituals to celebrate the new moon, the mask has an overall mesmerizing and hypnotic effect with a series of incised lines highlighted with kaolin against black painted planes; the interior with dark brown patina with wear indicative of traditional use. Alexander Calder, one of America's notable surrealist artist was directly inspired, both in form and function, by this type of round Luba mask as reflected in his 1966 lithograph Moonlight in a Gust of Wind.