Songye Kifwebe Kilume mask
Powers of the Bifwebe in African art
Superb African Songye mask dedicated to the bwadi bwa Kifwebe company. Large in size, this mask is available in the three dimensions of space. A large sagittal ridge separates the two extruded mitoshi eyes. This indicates that it is a kilume male mask, otherwise the female mask without a crest would be a kikashi. The etondo mouth is also extruded and ends with cross lips.
The entire mask is covered with colored bikoko streaks in groups.
You should know that the more imposing the crest of the kifwebe mask, the greater its magical and mythical power.
In Songye and Kalebwe society, the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe men's initiation association is responsible for maintaining order.
Community leaders use buchi witchcraft and masende magic to establish social rules. In order to invoke and harness the powers of buchi and masende, kifwebe masks (which literally means "mask") are worn during traditional dances.
This mask was to provide its owner with wealth and supernatural powers. It also seems that these masks danced during the enthronement and funerals of chiefs, initiation rites for young boys and also in meetings of secret societies.
Songye, Luba and Kalebwe bifwebe masks are very famous in African tribal art.
For more information: Kifwebe - a century of Luba and Songye masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents.
02002
Data sheet
- Size
- 48 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Powers of the Bifwebe in African art
Superb African Songye mask dedicated to the bwadi bwa Kifwebe company. Large in size, this mask is available in the three dimensions of space. A large sagittal ridge separates the two extruded mitoshi eyes. This indicates that it is a kilume male mask, otherwise the female mask without a crest would be a kikashi. The etondo mouth is also extruded and ends with cross lips.
The entire mask is covered with colored bikoko streaks in groups.
You should know that the more imposing the crest of the kifwebe mask, the greater its magical and mythical power.
In Songye and Kalebwe society, the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe men's initiation association is responsible for maintaining order.
Community leaders use buchi witchcraft and masende magic to establish social rules. In order to invoke and harness the powers of buchi and masende, kifwebe masks (which literally means "mask") are worn during traditional dances.
This mask was to provide its owner with wealth and supernatural powers. It also seems that these masks danced during the enthronement and funerals of chiefs, initiation rites for young boys and also in meetings of secret societies.
Songye, Luba and Kalebwe bifwebe masks are very famous in African tribal art.
For more information: Kifwebe - a century of Luba and Songye masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents.