#5572 Huge Old African Songye Kifwebe Wooden Shield W/Mask 66" H

This stunningly large and sophisticated Songye Kifwebe Shield Mask from the Democratic Republic of Congo features a female mask adorning its top. Highly carved and used, its face displays striations, pigment, and netting costume. It is part of the most renowned family of Songye masks crafted for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society – the name “Kifwebe” literally meaning "mask" in the Songye language. The face usually has finely cut linear patterns that may sometimes feature coloring, and its mouth is normally either square or round in shape. If it possesses a central crest, it is considered to be a masculine mask; otherwise, it is seen as feminine. Measuring 66" H by 15" wide, and 3" deep.This  Shield features minor signs of age and use; please refer to the pictures for more information on condition.