Superb Old Songye Kifwebe Mask DR Congo African Mask
8.5" H by 5" w
A well carved and used mask; face with striations pigment and netting costume.
This mask belongs to the most famous of the Songye masks, made for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe Secret society. "Kifwebe" means "Mask" in the Songye language. The face generally is covered with linear incisions which are sometimes pigmented, the mouth is most often square and protruding. If it has a central crest, it is masculine; if not, feminine. The size of the crest determines the magical power of the mask.
This mask belongs to the most famous of the Songye masks, made for the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe Secret society. "Kifwebe" means "Mask" in the Songye language. The face generally is covered with linear incisions which are sometimes pigmented, the mouth is most often square and protruding. If it has a central crest, it is masculine; if not, feminine. The size of the crest determines the magical power of the mask.