# 1753 African Songye Kifwebe Mask 16.75"h

This Songye Kifwebe Mask is a superb example from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has a traditionally-carved, used face adorned with striations, pigment, and netting costume. This mask is part of the most iconic Songye masks, created for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society, with the term "Kifwebe" meaning "Mask" in the Songye language. Often, the face is decorated with linear incisions which can be pigmented, while the mouth is usually square or round and protruding. If it has a central crest, it is classified as masculine; if not, feminine. Dimensions: 7.75ʺW × 5.25ʺD × 16.75ʺH.