Songye Kifwebe Mask with Bird on Top Massive Congo Africa

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Songye Kifwebe Mask with Bird on Top Massive Congo Africa:
$490.00

TitleSongye Kifwebe Mask with Bird on Top Massive Congo AfricaType of ObjectMaskCountry of OriginDR CongoPeopleSongyeMaterialsWood, pigmentApproximate Age20th centuryDimensions33.5 inches tall x 18 inches wide x 15 inches deepOverall ConditionFairDamage/Repairsome large cracks in several areas (see images); chips and scratches

A massive example of the revered Songye Kifwebe mask! This mask stands over 30 inches and is over 18 pounds! A wonderful example of delicate carving, this mask displays several features that are unmistakably Songye. The uniquely angled open mouth and ornate striations are the mark of a creative Songye wood worker. The bird atop the head and the large animal-like ears are likely the mark of influences from other mask making peoples: these motifs are more common with the Baule and Luba. The sheer size of this mask makes it unique, and the creativity on display would bring an unmatched character to any respectable collection.

Additional Information: This mask belongs to the most famous of the Songye masks, made for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe Secret society. \"Kifwebe\" means \"Mask\" in the Songye language. 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. During initiation, circumcision, or funeral ceremonies. For examples, and more information, see Bacquart\'s TRIBAL ARTS OF AFRICA and Cornet\'s A SURVEY OF ZAIRIAN ART-THE BRONSON COLLECTION. According to Hersak (1985: 168): \'The striated masks, or kifwebe, are used as agents of a tradition and figures of authority to exercise social and political control through practices of evil magic and witchcraft by the members of the bwadi bwa kifwebe society. Among the societies\' public performances, three mask types exist: two grades of male and one female mask. Male masks are distinguished by a striated pattern of three colors while the female one is predominantly white with the features accented in black and some red... The Kifwebe tradition which exists also among the Luba, seems to have originated south of the Eastern chiefdom in an area of Luba/Songe admixture. 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.

For Kifwebe examples, and more information, see Bacquart\'s TRIBAL ARTS OF AFRICA and Cornet\'s A SURVEY OF ZAIREAN ART-THE BRONSON COLLECTION.

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