Luba Kifwebe Kikashi mask
Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe in African art
African mask Luba from the company Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe. We find this type of "kifwebe" mask among the Songye and Kalebwe as well. This is one of the most famous types of masks in African art.
The male company Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe is responsible for maintaining order. Community leaders use witchcraft (buchi) and magic (masende) to enforce desired behavior. In order to use the powers of the buchi and the masende, kifwebe masks (which literally means "mask") are worn as seen in the attached photos.
The power of the masks is believed to provide members of the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe with supernatural wealth and abilities. Sources also point to their use during the installation and funerals of chiefs, initiation rites for young boys and also in meetings of secret societies.
01499
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 35 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe in African art
African mask Luba from the company Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe. We find this type of "kifwebe" mask among the Songye and Kalebwe as well. This is one of the most famous types of masks in African art.
The male company Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe is responsible for maintaining order. Community leaders use witchcraft (buchi) and magic (masende) to enforce desired behavior. In order to use the powers of the buchi and the masende, kifwebe masks (which literally means "mask") are worn as seen in the attached photos.
The power of the masks is believed to provide members of the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe with supernatural wealth and abilities. Sources also point to their use during the installation and funerals of chiefs, initiation rites for young boys and also in meetings of secret societies.