Songye house mask
Songye art: masks statues and traditions
A miniature wooden mask with beautiful patina and delicately carved features. The mask has a small, sloping forehead with striated lines running up from the eyebrows. The nose runs from the forehead and ends in slightly flared nostrils. The eyes are large and lentoid in shape and are closed, being defined by a slit line. The mouth is a projecting square shape with X to the centre defining the lips. the cheeks are carved with radiating lines running down from the eyes. To the back is a square fitting for the display of the mask in a domestic context. mounted on a custom made stand.
The masks of the Songye are highly distinctive, showing a form that is almost comparable to the geometric forms of modern Western art. the masks are known as Kifwebe and are used by a society of the same name. Individuals of this society are believed to have supernatural powers, known as basha masende, that is believed to manipulate spirits into helping individuals and the community as a whole. The masks are worn exclusively by men. There ae two types of kifwebe mask, being male and female, the male type being characterised by a crest to the top of the head. Raffia is attached to the bottom of these masks which can often fall down the body of the wearer to the knees. This miniature mask represents a female and is associated with positive forces. These miniature masks are kept in the home, and worn as amulets, to offer protection.
01344
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 14 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Condition
- Excellent
Songye art: masks statues and traditions
A miniature wooden mask with beautiful patina and delicately carved features. The mask has a small, sloping forehead with striated lines running up from the eyebrows. The nose runs from the forehead and ends in slightly flared nostrils. The eyes are large and lentoid in shape and are closed, being defined by a slit line. The mouth is a projecting square shape with X to the centre defining the lips. the cheeks are carved with radiating lines running down from the eyes. To the back is a square fitting for the display of the mask in a domestic context. mounted on a custom made stand.
The masks of the Songye are highly distinctive, showing a form that is almost comparable to the geometric forms of modern Western art. the masks are known as Kifwebe and are used by a society of the same name. Individuals of this society are believed to have supernatural powers, known as basha masende, that is believed to manipulate spirits into helping individuals and the community as a whole. The masks are worn exclusively by men. There ae two types of kifwebe mask, being male and female, the male type being characterised by a crest to the top of the head. Raffia is attached to the bottom of these masks which can often fall down the body of the wearer to the knees. This miniature mask represents a female and is associated with positive forces. These miniature masks are kept in the home, and worn as amulets, to offer protection.