Kifwebe Mask - Songye People - D.R. Congo-SOLD

Price: $0.00


 


Masks of the Bwandi Bwa Kifwebe society aid its leaders in the excercise of economic and political power by evoking the help of supernatural forces. Songye masks are distinguished by rows of grooves on the face, which represent the subterranean region from which the primordial couple emerged. The masks depict either a male or female spirit. Female masks are predominantly white or have retained the color of the wood; male masks usually incorporate the color red. Male masks have an upstanding comb which extends over the head into the nose. In contrast, female masks have only a small crest and stripes which are closer together. 21"H x 8.5"W x 15"D NOTE: The measurements are for the piece as it sits on the included stand. The raffia "beard" extends about 4" below the base of the stand. Also, the 15" depth measurement includes fiber material which extends beyond the back of the wood portion of the mask.