Two Luba zoomorphic kifwebe, Democratic Republic of Congo, one as a bird, the eyes inlaid with Abrus Precatorius seeds, two red triangles either side of the beak and incised linear decoration, 45cm; the other with a short protruding crest and a stylised nose, linear incised to the front, the sides plain, with rafia beard, painted in red and black pigment, signs of use to the interior, 38cm

The Andrzej Von Staranburg Niedenthal Colloection, London, UK

Condition Report

The mask with raffia beard is generally in good condition, with no obvious major losses or cracks. There are signs of handling, small chips to the white pigment on the high points throughout.

The Owl mask has a crack at the rear of the black crest, though this looks age related as opposed to being mishandled. An old chip to the top edge of the mask, again this looks dated.The right eye is missing 7 seeds and the left eye is missing 3 seeds. Pierced side holes are very uniform on this mask.