Songye Kifwebe wood mask - DRC Congo - African Art
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Description
This types of African art mask ' Kifwebe (or songy mask) are listed: the masculine (kilume) usually with a high crest, the feminine (kikashi) would present a more modest crest or absent, and finally the greater embodying power (kia ndoshi). The songye sculptor had a high status within the society bwadi and also produced various objects of pageantry, but also of daily use, cuts, mortars, canes, etc. Also practiced by the Luba, the cult bwadi bwa kifwebe ('mask' in songye) acted as a secret police in favor of power, so as to control individuals through magic. Wearing a suit and a long beard made of natural fibers, Kifwebe masks also appeared during crucial stages of the initiation ceremonies to the new moon. The novice had to pass between the legs of the masked initiator of the male kifwebe. A coded language used by society was then taught to him. Each of the lodges of the kifwebe could possess no more than seven masks, symbolic number of Songye.
Insiders, Congo Basin Ed. Dapper Museum; African Art Ed. Mazenod.
Reserve: $149.00
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Condition
Good, see pictures.
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- 15%
Songye Kifwebe wood mask - DRC Congo - African Art
Estimate $200 - $250
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