African Mask Hand Carved Wood Songye Mask Shield Congo
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African Mask Hand Carved Wood Songye Mask Shield Congo:
$600.00
This is a very old and wonderful Songye Shield Mask from the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Songyeshields are all carved from single pieces of wood. The heads on the shieldsrelate to the masks of this once warlike people from the Dem. Republic ofCongo (Zaire) whose art projects an aggressive strength unparalleled inAfrican art. The face generally is covered with linear incisions which are sometimes pigmented, the mouth is most often square and protruding. If it has a central crest, it is masculine; if not, feminine. The size of the crest determines the magical power of the mask. The Kifwebe tradition which exists also among the Luba, seems to have originated south of the Eastern chiefdom in an area of Luba/Songye. The Songye confirm this provenance by the interpretation that the kifwebe striations relate (apart from the zebra) to a pugnacious species of striped bushbuck antelope which inhabited the area. Songye masks are made for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe Secret society. \"Kifwebe\" means \"Mask\" in the Songye language a type of policing society that provided a means of controlling social behavior and neutralizing disruptive elements within the group. These masks appeared at the installation and death of a chief, and at the initiation rites of young men as well as a whole range of occasions that included ceremonies, punishments, warfare and public works. There is great variety and symbolism within the various Kifwebe masks. This is a wonderful old mask which would compliment your collection and bring Songye culture to your home. This shield has a handle on the back. Shows age.
14\" wide
7\" deepWE CAN PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR ALL ARTIFACTS THAT WE SELL, AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION TOWARD THEIR AUTHENTICITY. FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT THE WORLD OF BACARA.WE OFFER LAYAWAY OPTIONS PLEASE CONTACTInternational freight will be determined
African Mask Hand Carved Wood Songye Mask Shield Congo:
$600.00