Mask - Songye - DR Congo
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days
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Current bid
€ 120
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 550 - € 650
14 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 4380 | €120 | |
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 Bidder 8674 | €110 | |
 Bidder 1583 | €100 | |
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Kifwebe mask of the Songye from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century, from a private collection, 31 cm high, 1 cm deep, 1 g weight, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Kifwebe masks are emblematic of the Luba and Songye peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These masks, recognizable by their stylized features and raised geometric patterns, symbolize both spiritual power and social authority.
They come in three main types: female masks (representing fertility and peace), male masks (linked to strength and hunting), and the rarest, androgynous ones. In rituals, notably those of the secret society Bwadi ka Kifwebe, these masks are worn to drive away malevolent spirits, to cure illnesses, or to mark important milestones such as initiations or funerals.
The masked dancer, often in a trance, embodies a supernatural force capable of restoring order and harmony within the community. Today, these masks are also valued as works of art, but their sacred and social dimension remains fundamental in Luba-Songye culture.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
Kifwebe masks are emblematic of the Luba and Songye peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These masks, recognizable by their stylized features and raised geometric patterns, symbolize both spiritual power and social authority.
They come in three main types: female masks (representing fertility and peace), male masks (linked to strength and hunting), and the rarest, androgynous ones. In rituals, notably those of the secret society Bwadi ka Kifwebe, these masks are worn to drive away malevolent spirits, to cure illnesses, or to mark important milestones such as initiations or funerals.
The masked dancer, often in a trance, embodies a supernatural force capable of restoring order and harmony within the community. Today, these masks are also valued as works of art, but their sacred and social dimension remains fundamental in Luba-Songye culture.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
31 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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