Lot No. 2579, African Tribal Art, Song Songye Mask (Zaire / DRC Congo)

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Lot No. 2579, African Tribal Art, Song Songye Mask (Zaire / DRC Congo):
$26.00

Today you have a unique opportunity to own a part of an impressive collection of original African objects which is now being liquidated due to several unforeseen circumstances. Please check out all of our sales for other interesting pieces!This mask is being sold as part of a private collection of African tribal art and artifacts which was collected by the original owner between 1960 and 1980. The mask was part of a larger collection which appraised in 2005 for several million dollars and has since been divided. Much of this collection has since been sold privately or gifted to different institutional organizations. Objects that remain from this collection are of very good quality, and some have been recently exhibited and displayed to the public in Georgia. ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED -- We have set our Buy-It-Now at $385, but message us or use the \"Best Offer\" feature to end this sale early! Please inspect our high resolution photographs prior to offerding; as this is a liquidation of an estate, no refunds or exchanges are permitted.Item Number: 2579 Originates from: Zaire/DRCDimensions: Approximately 16.5\" tall x 8\" wide x 5\" deepMaterials/Comments: Wood, carved; excellent condition. Bell shape and carved grooves typical for Songye masks.The Songye people live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire). Numbering some 150,000 people, Songye society is patrilineal, and governed by a highly revered male chief. They share common ancestors and oral traditions with the Luba people of the DRC, and subsist by farming or hunting. Because rivers are believed to be the repository of the souls of revered ancestors, Songye people are extremely reluctant to fish.The warlike history of the Songye influences the confrontational nature of their art. Songye shields, once a vital part of the the warrior\'s gear, are still hand-carved of wood, and often include the intimidating face and violently zig-zagging grooves that would once have frightened the enemy in battle. These grooved patterns are typical of Songye pieces, and may represent the scarifications that Songye warriors cut into their faces. They are among the most belligerent of all African masks.Threatening masks are also used to enforce conformity and good behavior within the community. Adult men in these masks perform angry frenetic dances as a warning of the wrath that youngsters or miscreants will face if they break the rules. Adult women dance a gentler more graceful dance to encourage motherhood and enhance fertility.The Songye use the same strategy of intimidation to frighten away malicious spirits who cause disasters like disease, fire, floods, etc. Masks and fetishes with jarring striations, bulging eyes, and disjointed structure, are used to strike fear in the heart of the most brazen of goblins. These masks are danced by secret societies to protect the village and, like many African masks, are usually worn with a full body suit of raffia.