SONGYE KIFWEBE Female Mask Hand Carved Wood African Art Collectibles

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SONGYE KIFWEBE Female Mask Hand Carved Wood African Art Collectibles:
$69.00

SONGYE Kifwebe Female Mask Hand Carved Wood African Art Collectibles

· Measures: 14 ½” High x 5 ¾” Wide x 3 ¾” Deep

· Brown Finish

· Metal hanger on back

· Arrested bug damage

· Normal wear for old piece like this

· Normal age cracks with old wood

· Not sure of the exact age

· Excellent Condition

Info about Songye people:

(BASONGE, BASONGYE, BASSONGO, BAYEMBE, SONGE, SONGHAY, WASONGA)

There are numerous mask styles associated with the Songye. Power objects and objects associated with divination are also prevalent in Western collections. In the past many Songye objects have been misattributed to the Luba and vice versa.

Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the Luba homeland. The Lomani River divides Songye territory and marks the boundary of the areas invaded by the Luba. As a result of these geographic and political differences there emerged of two distinct social structures among the Eastern and western Songye and two stylistic differences in art forms between the two areas.

The Songye traditionally relied mostly on farming and hunting for subsistence. Because the rivers were associated with the spirits of deceased chiefs who were often buried in them, fishing was not practiced except in times of great need. The artistic wares of the Songye, including pottery made by women and weaving and metalworking done by men, were traded extensively with their neighbors. They were recognized as superior craftsmen, and their products were in great demand.

The Songye are divided into about 35 subgroups. The paramount chief (Yakitenge) and his advisers are the central power in Songye territory. Many of the subgroups were actually quite large, were often spread over many miles, and were densely populated. The markets in these areas attracted numerous artisans and traders from throughout the region. At one time, Bukishi was a dominant educational society which helped to maintain social control through the use of kifwebe masks, but it no longer functions to this degree except in the southEastern regions bordering on Luba territory.

The most famous masks created by the Songye are worn in connection with the kifwebe secret society. They are called kifwebe, which means ‘mask’ in the Songye language. It can be either masculine, if carved with a central crest, or feminine if displaying a rather plain coiffure. The kifwebe society used their masks to ward off disaster or any threat. The mask had also the capacity to heal by means of the supernatural force it was supposed to incorporate. The masks, supplemented by a woven costume and a long beard of raffia bast, dance at various ceremonies. Mask, colors, and costume all have symbolic meaning. The dancer who wears the male mask will display aggressive and uncontrolled behavior with the aim of encouraging social conformity, whereas the dancer who wears the female mask display more gentle and controlled movements and is assumed to be associated with reproduction ceremonies.

The creator god of the Songye is Efile, although sacrifices are not made directly to him. Much attention is focused on familial ancestors, to whom sacrifices are made to encourage the well-being of the individual and the family.

I will be offering many pieces from my personal collection. CHECK BACK OFTEN. I have a passion for these items and each piece is a Powerful Treasure. If you are looking for a particular type of piece just ask, I might have one. I will list a wide range of prices, so everyone can add to their collection.

International buyers/Buyers MUST contact me first for shipping quote before offerding/buying, if there is no shipping quote alreadygiven in this listing,thank you.

offer with confidence this is in excellent vintage condition.

Thank you for looking

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