Kifwebe dance mask (Songye) - DR Congo
03
days
04
hours
42
minutes
48
seconds
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Masque de danse kifwebe songye, an original Songye Kifwebe mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, carved in wood with raphia fibres and measuring 54 cm high by 30 cm wide.
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Kifwebe
Material. Wood. Raphia
Dimension. 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
This mask bears the stylistic features of a Kifwebe mask from the Songye culture (or sometimes Luba) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Janus or Polycephalic structure: Unlike classical Kifwebe masks which have a single face, this piece presents a complex structure with two opposite faces sharing a common central crest. This configuration is rarer and gives the mask a particular ceremonial dimension.
Sagittal crest: A tall, prominent crest runs across the top of the mask, connecting the two faces and adding a strong vertical dimension to the whole.
Organic elements: The mask is completed by an ample headdress and a collar of braided plant fibers (raphia), which frame the faces and descend to cover the wearer.
Decoration and Style
Striated motifs: The surface of the wood is entirely covered with incised striations, characteristic of Kifwebe art. These graphic lines, often arranged in geometric patterns, follow the contours of the face and emphasize the volumes.
Color palette: The mask features traditional polychromy using black, white and ochre/reddish-brown tones. These chromatic contrasts are typical of these masks, white often associated with spirits, purity, and the world of ancestors.
Facial features: The faces display hollow rectangular eyes, an angular nose, and a prominent, almost cubical mouth that protrudes forward, typical of Songye stylization.
Function and symbolism
The term Kifwebe literally means "mask." These objects are traditionally used by the secret society of the same name.
They are intended to maintain social order, exercise political power, and intervene during funerary rites or the investitures of chiefs.
The wearer of the mask, concealed beneath the raphia fibers, embodies an spirit during dynamic dances designed to impress and sometimes frighten members of the community.
In summary, this is a sophisticated traditional African art piece, whose double form and the delicacy of the incisions testify to a high degree of mastery.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Kifwebe
Material. Wood. Raphia
Dimension. 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
This mask bears the stylistic features of a Kifwebe mask from the Songye culture (or sometimes Luba) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Janus or Polycephalic structure: Unlike classical Kifwebe masks which have a single face, this piece presents a complex structure with two opposite faces sharing a common central crest. This configuration is rarer and gives the mask a particular ceremonial dimension.
Sagittal crest: A tall, prominent crest runs across the top of the mask, connecting the two faces and adding a strong vertical dimension to the whole.
Organic elements: The mask is completed by an ample headdress and a collar of braided plant fibers (raphia), which frame the faces and descend to cover the wearer.
Decoration and Style
Striated motifs: The surface of the wood is entirely covered with incised striations, characteristic of Kifwebe art. These graphic lines, often arranged in geometric patterns, follow the contours of the face and emphasize the volumes.
Color palette: The mask features traditional polychromy using black, white and ochre/reddish-brown tones. These chromatic contrasts are typical of these masks, white often associated with spirits, purity, and the world of ancestors.
Facial features: The faces display hollow rectangular eyes, an angular nose, and a prominent, almost cubical mouth that protrudes forward, typical of Songye stylization.
Function and symbolism
The term Kifwebe literally means "mask." These objects are traditionally used by the secret society of the same name.
They are intended to maintain social order, exercise political power, and intervene during funerary rites or the investitures of chiefs.
The wearer of the mask, concealed beneath the raphia fibers, embodies an spirit during dynamic dances designed to impress and sometimes frighten members of the community.
In summary, this is a sophisticated traditional African art piece, whose double form and the delicacy of the incisions testify to a high degree of mastery.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Kifwebe dance mask (Songye)
Height
54 cm
Width
30 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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