Songye Kifwebe mask - DR Congo






Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
€125 | ||
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€53 | ||
€50 |
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The original wooden Songye Kifwebe mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 45 cm high and in good condition.
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood
Size. 45 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours
This Kifwebe mask from the Songye people displays the traditional stylistic and morphological characteristics of this African art.
General shape and structure: This is a carved wooden facial mask, characterized by an overall oval or rounded shape that narrows toward the chin.
Sagittal crest: A tall, prominent crest rises vertically from the top of the head and runs down along the nose, a distinctive feature of many Kifwebe masks.
EYES: The eye sockets are large, protruding, globular forms painted black, with a narrow horizontal slit for the eyes.
Nose and mouth: The nose is geometric, aligned with the central crest. The mouth is prominent, cuboid or rectangular in shape, with a circular opening in the center.
Polychromy and patina: The mask features a contrasting palette combining natural wood tones, reddish-brown shades, and black-painted areas, bearing witness to an aged patina and pronounced wear from the passage of time.
Base: The lower part of the chin is pierced with several small holes, traditionally used to attach a collar of plant fibers or raffia.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood
Size. 45 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours
This Kifwebe mask from the Songye people displays the traditional stylistic and morphological characteristics of this African art.
General shape and structure: This is a carved wooden facial mask, characterized by an overall oval or rounded shape that narrows toward the chin.
Sagittal crest: A tall, prominent crest rises vertically from the top of the head and runs down along the nose, a distinctive feature of many Kifwebe masks.
EYES: The eye sockets are large, protruding, globular forms painted black, with a narrow horizontal slit for the eyes.
Nose and mouth: The nose is geometric, aligned with the central crest. The mouth is prominent, cuboid or rectangular in shape, with a circular opening in the center.
Polychromy and patina: The mask features a contrasting palette combining natural wood tones, reddish-brown shades, and black-painted areas, bearing witness to an aged patina and pronounced wear from the passage of time.
Base: The lower part of the chin is pierced with several small holes, traditionally used to attach a collar of plant fibers or raffia.
