Dance Mask - Kifwebe - Songye - DR Congo
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 500 - € 550
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Description from the seller
Songye Kifwebe Dance Mask.
DR Congo.
With "kifwebe" simply meaning "mask", this specific type of tribal objects make out a notable portion of the Songye statuary. These were typically dancing masks used in a broad range of tribal ceremonies. The kifwebe needed to undergo several stages in the proces of obtaining its magical powers, with the latter only seen as absolute when human sacrifice was involved. This specific mask is a great execution, with the typically known cubistic features of mouth, eyes and nose presented in a strong way. The neutral black and white pallet, respectively mud and kaolin colouring has been preserved.
Provenance:
Belgian private collection
Object type: kifwebe dance mask
Tribe: Songye
Material: wood
Height: 33 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Songye Kifwebe Dance Mask.
DR Congo.
With "kifwebe" simply meaning "mask", this specific type of tribal objects make out a notable portion of the Songye statuary. These were typically dancing masks used in a broad range of tribal ceremonies. The kifwebe needed to undergo several stages in the proces of obtaining its magical powers, with the latter only seen as absolute when human sacrifice was involved. This specific mask is a great execution, with the typically known cubistic features of mouth, eyes and nose presented in a strong way. The neutral black and white pallet, respectively mud and kaolin colouring has been preserved.
Provenance:
Belgian private collection
Object type: kifwebe dance mask
Tribe: Songye
Material: wood
Height: 33 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
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
Dance Mask
Height
33 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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