African Ritual Mask Songye Kifwebe – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Hand-Carved Wood - - Songye - DR Congo
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04
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Current bid
€ 50
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 160 - € 200
 | €50 | |
|---|---|---|
| €45 | |
| €40 | |
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The hand-carved wooden Máscara Ritual Africana Songye Kifwebe – República Democrática del Congo – Madera Tallada a Mano is a 36 cm-high Songye Kifwebe mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, acquired by a European family at its place of origin in 1940.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Magnificent traditional African ritual mask belonging to the Songye ethnic group (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
This is a hand-carved example of the Male Kifwebe (Kilume) tribal art tradition, readily recognizable by its imposing central ridge running from the forehead to the nose, its pronounced parallel linear incisions filled with natural white pigment, and its characteristic projecting, cube-shaped mouth.
It displays a pure Songye-style aesthetic variant, with elongated, square forms, very angular features, prominent cube-shaped mouths, and pronounced forehead ridges (associated with aggressive or masculine features).
Technical characteristics and details:
• Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Central Africa).
• Ethnic group / Style: Songye – Kifwebe mask.
• Estimated period: Acquired by a European family at the place of origin in 1940.
• Materials: Hand-carved wood and traditional mineral pigments
• Dimensions: 36–37 cm long x 20 cm maximum width.
* Technique: Entirely handcrafted carving with artistic and ethnographic merit characteristic of 20th-century African ritual craftsmanship. The reverse clearly shows traces and marks left by traditional cutting tools (rough hollowing with an adze or gouge), together with a natural dark patina from aging.
• Condition: Excellent overall condition, retaining the firmness of the wood and the sharpness of the grooves.
Includes a small eye screw recently installed on the back to facilitate proper wall display.
Magnificent traditional African ritual mask belonging to the Songye ethnic group (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
This is a hand-carved example of the Male Kifwebe (Kilume) tribal art tradition, readily recognizable by its imposing central ridge running from the forehead to the nose, its pronounced parallel linear incisions filled with natural white pigment, and its characteristic projecting, cube-shaped mouth.
It displays a pure Songye-style aesthetic variant, with elongated, square forms, very angular features, prominent cube-shaped mouths, and pronounced forehead ridges (associated with aggressive or masculine features).
Technical characteristics and details:
• Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Central Africa).
• Ethnic group / Style: Songye – Kifwebe mask.
• Estimated period: Acquired by a European family at the place of origin in 1940.
• Materials: Hand-carved wood and traditional mineral pigments
• Dimensions: 36–37 cm long x 20 cm maximum width.
* Technique: Entirely handcrafted carving with artistic and ethnographic merit characteristic of 20th-century African ritual craftsmanship. The reverse clearly shows traces and marks left by traditional cutting tools (rough hollowing with an adze or gouge), together with a natural dark patina from aging.
• Condition: Excellent overall condition, retaining the firmness of the wood and the sharpness of the grooves.
Includes a small eye screw recently installed on the back to facilitate proper wall display.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
African Ritual Mask Songye Kifwebe – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Hand-Carved Wood -
Height
36 cm
Width
20 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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