Songye Kifwebe Kilume mask
Buchi and Masende: the Bifwebe in African art
Powerful African Songye mask used as part of the bwadi bwa Kifwebe company. This traditional mask is available in three dimensions in a very cubist way. There is a large median ridge on the forehead, separating the two mitoshi eyes, extruded and pierced on the underside. The high crest tells us that it is a kilume male mask; female masks are kikashi and lack this crest. The etondo mouth is also extruded and ends with cross lips. The higher the crest of the kifwebe mask, the greater the magical and mythical power.
The entire mask is covered with streaks called bikoko colored in groups and generally bi or tri-colored, each being symbolic. The nostrils still bear traces of small hairs coming out of them, these bear the name of mpo or nungu.
On the inside, we see traces of portage, see photo.
In the Songye and Kalebwe traditions, the male initiation association Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe is responsible for maintaining order.
Buchi witchcraft and masende magic are used by dignitaries to establish social rules. To invoke and use the powers of the buchi and the masende, the kifwebe masks; literally "mask"; are worn during traditional dances.
The mask that I am offering you here gave its owner wealth and supernatural powers. These masks also came out during the enthronement and funerals of dignitaries, the initiation rites of boys in order to pass to adulthood.
Songye, Luba and Kalebwe bifwebe masks are very famous in African art.
For more information: Kifwebe - a century of Luba and Songye masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents.
01971
Data sheet
- Size
- 47 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Buchi and Masende: the Bifwebe in African art
Powerful African Songye mask used as part of the bwadi bwa Kifwebe company. This traditional mask is available in three dimensions in a very cubist way. There is a large median ridge on the forehead, separating the two mitoshi eyes, extruded and pierced on the underside. The high crest tells us that it is a kilume male mask; female masks are kikashi and lack this crest. The etondo mouth is also extruded and ends with cross lips. The higher the crest of the kifwebe mask, the greater the magical and mythical power.
The entire mask is covered with streaks called bikoko colored in groups and generally bi or tri-colored, each being symbolic. The nostrils still bear traces of small hairs coming out of them, these bear the name of mpo or nungu.
On the inside, we see traces of portage, see photo.
In the Songye and Kalebwe traditions, the male initiation association Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe is responsible for maintaining order.
Buchi witchcraft and masende magic are used by dignitaries to establish social rules. To invoke and use the powers of the buchi and the masende, the kifwebe masks; literally "mask"; are worn during traditional dances.
The mask that I am offering you here gave its owner wealth and supernatural powers. These masks also came out during the enthronement and funerals of dignitaries, the initiation rites of boys in order to pass to adulthood.
Songye, Luba and Kalebwe bifwebe masks are very famous in African art.
For more information: Kifwebe - a century of Luba and Songye masks, F. NEYT, 5 Continents.