Songye Kifwebe protective charm
Protective objects in African art
The small African mask easily attributable to the bwadi bwa kifwebe association of Songye and Kalebwe is in reality not a mask. Considering its small size, this object is actually a protective charm, a miniature version of the famous kifwebe mask. We find the same attributes including a strongly extruded sagittal crest attesting that it is a male charm or kilume.
This type of charm or fetish was probably accompanied by a raffia headdress and attached to the arm of the dancer wearing the kifwebe mask.
Note that there are other types of charms in African Songye art, such as full-length statuettes and heads.
Resource: KIFWEBE - a century of Songye and Luba masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents.
01646
Data sheet
- Size
- 21 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Protective objects in African art
The small African mask easily attributable to the bwadi bwa kifwebe association of Songye and Kalebwe is in reality not a mask. Considering its small size, this object is actually a protective charm, a miniature version of the famous kifwebe mask. We find the same attributes including a strongly extruded sagittal crest attesting that it is a male charm or kilume.
This type of charm or fetish was probably accompanied by a raffia headdress and attached to the arm of the dancer wearing the kifwebe mask.
Note that there are other types of charms in African Songye art, such as full-length statuettes and heads.
Resource: KIFWEBE - a century of Songye and Luba masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents.