Songye Kifwebe mask - DR Congo

04
days
04
hours
29
minutes
09
seconds
Current bid
€ 125
Reserve price not met
Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 280 - € 330
FR
€125
FR
€53
FR
€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.

AI-assisted summary

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.

Details

Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Songye Kifwebe mask
Height
45 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
FranceVerified
167
Objects sold
100%
protop

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