Songye Kifwebe Mask Congo African Art Custom Stand
AvailabilityIn stock
SKU
136775
$450.00
US Shipping
$49.98
| Brand | Unbranded |
|---|---|
| Type of Object | Mask |
| Country of Origin | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| People | Songye |
| Materials | Wood, pigment |
| Approximate Age | 20th century |
| Height (in) | 12 |
| Width (in) | 8 |
| Depth (in) | 8 |
| Dimensions | 20 inch height on stand |
| Overall Condition | Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. |
Additional Information: 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."
Recommended Reading:
Cornet, J., A Survey of Zairian Art, North Carolina Museum of Art, 1978
Dunja Hersak,Songye Masks and sculpture figures, 1985