Origin - Luba, Congo DRC

Use: Water, Fertility, Protection

This frog-faced mask is associated with the Luba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it plays a specialized role in initiation ceremonies and governance rituals. The mask, with its wide, rounded mouth, bulging eyes, and smooth, stylized contours, symbolizes the transformative power of water and fertility, qualities highly valued in Luba society. Worn by elders during public dances and judicial or initiation events, the frog-face mask communicated messages about moral guidance, social responsibility, and the protection of the community. Its appearance reminded participants of the importance of adaptability, vigilance, and spiritual insight, reinforcing the Luba ideals of balance between the human and ancestral realms and the continuity of societal order.