Masks of the Bwandi Bwa Kifwebe Society aid its leaders in
the exercise of economic & political power by evoking the help of supernatural forces.
Songye masks are distinguished by rows of grooves on the mask face, representing the
sub-terranean 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, if any, & stripes which are closer together.
Ex. Scott Rodolitz and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.
Height: 12 ½"
Height including fiber: 24"
