Songye Kifwebe mask
The Bifwebe masks, originating from the art and tradition of the Songye people, a community of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are among the most iconic and easily recognizable African masks for Westerners. They were traditionally worn by dancers during circumcisions or funerals organized by the secretive society Bwadi bwa Kifwebe, highly influential among the Songye.
Kifwebe masks are distinguished by their striations and color variations unique to each mask. Their half-closed bulging eyes and rectangular mouth are distinctive features of Kifwebe masks. Additionally, these masks exhibit a gender determined by the presence or absence of a naso-frontal crest. In this instance, the presence of a crest confirms it is a masculine mask (masks with this gender are called kilume).
02475
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 44 cm (56 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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The Bifwebe masks, originating from the art and tradition of the Songye people, a community of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are among the most iconic and easily recognizable African masks for Westerners. They were traditionally worn by dancers during circumcisions or funerals organized by the secretive society Bwadi bwa Kifwebe, highly influential among the Songye.
Kifwebe masks are distinguished by their striations and color variations unique to each mask. Their half-closed bulging eyes and rectangular mouth are distinctive features of Kifwebe masks. Additionally, these masks exhibit a gender determined by the presence or absence of a naso-frontal crest. In this instance, the presence of a crest confirms it is a masculine mask (masks with this gender are called kilume).