A fine example of the African Songe Color Mask w. Geometric Design Indeed a mask of high quality with evidence of use and good age. This is the most famous of the Songye masks, made for the Bwagdi Bwa Kifwebe Secret society. "Kifwebe" means "Mask" in the Songye language. Such masks were worn during initiation, circumcision, or funeral ceremonies. Kifwebe masks 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. 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. 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. 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. The Lomani River divides Songye territory and as a result there emerged two distinct social structures among the eastern and western Songye and two stylistic differences in art forms between the two areas. Includes a custom stand which may not be displayed..(Part of a Private Collection 30.00x10.00x7.00 inches
Dimensions: 30.00x10.00x7.00 inches*
Weight: 5.00 lbs*
* (estimate/approximately)