Songye Kalebwe Kifwebe Kikashi mask
Traditional mask of Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe
This African kifwebe mask is distinguished by the softness of its forms while not being part of the round Baluba masks. Globally pear-shaped, the head is swollen and extends into a narrow neck. The eyes are close and connected by the median line that runs across the forehead and nose. The mouth is quite surprising because it is ovoid and not square, rectangular or even cruciform as we are used to seeing on the Bifwebe masks of Songye, Luba and other Kalebwe groups. This mask is in all likelihood from the southern Kalebwe.
It is a female kikashi mask given the absence of an extruded sagittal ridge in place of the midline. Male masks are called the kilume. Initially, traditional masks of this type were worn by members of Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe society for politico-religious purposes. Gradually, their role was limited to celebrations for the enthronement of chiefs, funeral ceremonies and other lighter village festivities.
The female bikashi masks are most often covered with kaolin encrusted in the fine streaks. Although the majority of them are benevolent and express a climate of peace, there can also be aggressive variations.
A typologically similar example, coming from the region of Kamana, is visible in Kifwebe: a century of Songye and Luba masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents, p. 123 / pl. 57. See attached photo.
01592
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1970
- Size
- 45 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Traditional mask of Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe
This African kifwebe mask is distinguished by the softness of its forms while not being part of the round Baluba masks. Globally pear-shaped, the head is swollen and extends into a narrow neck. The eyes are close and connected by the median line that runs across the forehead and nose. The mouth is quite surprising because it is ovoid and not square, rectangular or even cruciform as we are used to seeing on the Bifwebe masks of Songye, Luba and other Kalebwe groups. This mask is in all likelihood from the southern Kalebwe.
It is a female kikashi mask given the absence of an extruded sagittal ridge in place of the midline. Male masks are called the kilume. Initially, traditional masks of this type were worn by members of Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe society for politico-religious purposes. Gradually, their role was limited to celebrations for the enthronement of chiefs, funeral ceremonies and other lighter village festivities.
The female bikashi masks are most often covered with kaolin encrusted in the fine streaks. Although the majority of them are benevolent and express a climate of peace, there can also be aggressive variations.
A typologically similar example, coming from the region of Kamana, is visible in Kifwebe: a century of Songye and Luba masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents, p. 123 / pl. 57. See attached photo.