Initiation mask - Kifwebe. - Songye - DR Congo

05
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04
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35
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Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 220 - € 250
1 other person has their eye on this
ITBidder 5238
€1

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Description from the seller

Members of the Kikwebe mask society are the Basha Masende, holders of the knowledge necessary to communicate with spirits and deities. These masks are worn with a long costume and a long beard made of vegetal fibre; the female mask which, unlike the man’s, the kilume — in the plural bilume — is devoid of a crest at the top of the head.
The black and light bands form a double meaning inscription: the path or road of the dead awaiting rebirth, while the nose or the vertical axis of it is the tree of life. The mouth would be the beak of the bird or the sorcerer’s fire.
D'après "L'art Africain" Chez Mazenod.
Patine sèche d'usage.
Notons une fissure de dessication verticale au bas du masque
Hauteur 31 cm x largeur 19 cm X profondeur 8 cm Poids 460 g.
Envoi en Colissimo recommandé.

Members of the Kikwebe mask society are the Basha Masende, holders of the knowledge necessary to communicate with spirits and deities. These masks are worn with a long costume and a long beard made of vegetal fibre; the female mask which, unlike the man’s, the kilume — in the plural bilume — is devoid of a crest at the top of the head.
The black and light bands form a double meaning inscription: the path or road of the dead awaiting rebirth, while the nose or the vertical axis of it is the tree of life. The mouth would be the beak of the bird or the sorcerer’s fire.
D'après "L'art Africain" Chez Mazenod.
Patine sèche d'usage.
Notons une fissure de dessication verticale au bas du masque
Hauteur 31 cm x largeur 19 cm X profondeur 8 cm Poids 460 g.
Envoi en Colissimo recommandé.

Details

Indigenous object name
Kifwebe.
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition
Title of artwork
Initiation mask
Height
31 cm
Width
19 cm
Depth
8 cm
Weight
460 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
FranceVerified
726
Objects sold
98.08%
Private

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