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Lovely Songye Kifwebe Mask 45″ – DRC – African Art

$225.00

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This mask was carved in the style of the Songye people of DRC. The mask is known as a kifwebe and the finial crest indicates that this piece is meant to represent a male. The mask measures 24.5 inches tall, 45 inches including raffia, and weighs 6 pounds. There is some cracking, scuffing and wear and tear – please inspect photos. Stand not included but one can be added for an additional charge.

Type of Object

Face Mask

Country of Origin

DR Congo

Ethnicity

Songye

Animal

Material

Wood, pigment and vegetable fiber

Approximate Age

Unknown

Height

24.5" mask | 45" including raffia

Width

12"

Depth

11.5"

Weight

6 lbs

Overall Condition

Some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear throughout.

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Tribe Information

About the Songye People

“During the 16th century, the Songye migrated from the Shaba area, which is now the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and settled on the left bank of the Lualaba River, on a savannah and forest-covered plateau. Divided into numerous sub-groups, the 150,000 Songye people are governed by a central chief, the Yakitenge, whose role demands that he obey special restrictive laws such as not showing grief, not drinking in public and not shaking hands with men. In addition, local rulers, the Sultani Ya Muti, distribute plots of land to their villagers and an influential secret society, Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe, counterbalances their power. Unlike their neighbors, the Luba, the Songye tribe is a patriarchal society in which agriculture is central to the economy.”

Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.

Additional Information

About the Kifwebe Mask

“The most famous masks created by the Songye are worn in connection with the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society. They are called Kifwebe, which means ‘mask’ in the Songye language. It can either be masculine, if carved with a central crest, or feminine if displaying a plain coiffure. The size of the crest determines the magical power of the mask. During initiation, circumcision or funeral ceremonies, a dancer will wear the mask and his body will be covered with straw.”