Songye Kifwebe mask - DR Congo
04
days
04
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25
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49
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Current bid
€ 75
Reserve price not met
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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
 | €75 |
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The wooden Masque songye kifwebe is a 50 cm Songye work from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Kifwebe
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 50 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours
Kifwebe Mask – Songye Art, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Description of the work
This remarkable Kifwebe-type mask, attributable to the artistic tradition of the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has a particularly expressive form, characterized by a powerful facial structure and a long central vertical crest.
Carved from wood, it is distinguished by its strongly protruding eyes, arranged symmetrically on either side of a straight, prominent nasal ridge. The eyelids, rendered as rounded horizontal forms, give the face an enigmatic, almost meditative expression.
The tall, narrow central crest extends vertically from the nose and dominates the composition as a whole. This feature is reminiscent of certain male Kifwebe masks, traditionally associated with authority, power, and social control.
The lower part of the face, elongated and slightly flared, features a geometrically stylized mouth pierced by a central opening. The surfaces reveal a dark brown to honey-brown patina, with lighter shades on the raised areas, as well as numerous marks, incisions, and irregularities that attest to the carving process and the evolution of the wood’s surface.
Examination of the reverse reveals a deep hollow, made to allow the mask to be worn over the face. Several holes around the edges, probably intended for attaching a fiber costume or fastening elements, are visible. The wood shows longitudinal cracks, tool marks, and significant wear, particularly in the central section.
Stylistic features
This mask differs from the best-known Kifwebe examples in its apparent lack of the regular geometric grooves that usually cover the faces of Songye and Luba examples. Its smooth forms, raised eyes, and imposing crest give it a distinctive appearance.
In Songye traditions, Kifwebe masks were used notably in ceremonial, initiation, and social regulation contexts. Male examples could feature a particularly prominent central crest, a symbol of power and authority.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Kifwebe
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 50 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours
Kifwebe Mask – Songye Art, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Description of the work
This remarkable Kifwebe-type mask, attributable to the artistic tradition of the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has a particularly expressive form, characterized by a powerful facial structure and a long central vertical crest.
Carved from wood, it is distinguished by its strongly protruding eyes, arranged symmetrically on either side of a straight, prominent nasal ridge. The eyelids, rendered as rounded horizontal forms, give the face an enigmatic, almost meditative expression.
The tall, narrow central crest extends vertically from the nose and dominates the composition as a whole. This feature is reminiscent of certain male Kifwebe masks, traditionally associated with authority, power, and social control.
The lower part of the face, elongated and slightly flared, features a geometrically stylized mouth pierced by a central opening. The surfaces reveal a dark brown to honey-brown patina, with lighter shades on the raised areas, as well as numerous marks, incisions, and irregularities that attest to the carving process and the evolution of the wood’s surface.
Examination of the reverse reveals a deep hollow, made to allow the mask to be worn over the face. Several holes around the edges, probably intended for attaching a fiber costume or fastening elements, are visible. The wood shows longitudinal cracks, tool marks, and significant wear, particularly in the central section.
Stylistic features
This mask differs from the best-known Kifwebe examples in its apparent lack of the regular geometric grooves that usually cover the faces of Songye and Luba examples. Its smooth forms, raised eyes, and imposing crest give it a distinctive appearance.
In Songye traditions, Kifwebe masks were used notably in ceremonial, initiation, and social regulation contexts. Male examples could feature a particularly prominent central crest, a symbol of power and authority.
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
50 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
