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Female Kifwebe Mask with old collection label, Luba-Songye People, DR Congo

Offered by: Spectandum

Description
1st half 20th Century
Wood
62 x 23 x 16 cm
24 3/8 x 9 x 6 1/4 in
2006
€ 9,300.00

Traditionally, Kifwebe masks were created and worn by members of the secret masking society, Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe, of the Luba and the Songye People living in the central part of the Congo. They danced, representing spirits connecting this world with the spirit world. These masquerades were performed during rites associated with funerals and initiations, serving to rid the community of evil presences. Kifwebe masks represent abstracted male or female beings. Angular and thrusting forms characterize both types, and in both cases, the entire face is covered in patterns of geometric grooves that are uniquely characteristic of these masks. The face of typical Kifwebe masks is covered with linear incisions, a square protruding mouth and a linear nose set between globular pierced eyes. According to the specialists, Kifwebe masks are not only differentiated by their shape and size but also by the basic surface colouration and the decorative design and patterns on the surface. The masks said to represent a female are rarer than masks supposed to depict a male. Female masks, such as this one, will have no sagittal crest or perhaps a slightly raised flat one. They are directly related to the physical world and procreation; their task is to invoke benevolent spirits that will influence the future generation. They exude beauty, tranquillity and inner peace and are not aggressive in appearance. The female Kifwebe mask with a projecting mouth, triangular nose and almond-shaped eyes has an overall hourglass shape. It is completely covered with concentric linear carvings divided by a black vertical stripe running from the top of the head, over the nose, and up to the mouth. Contrary to most female Kifwebe masks, this one is dark brown. Patina with wear and age to the wood suggests this is a particularly early example, used for a long period of time.

More Information

Period:	1900-1919
Creation Date:	1st half 20th Century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	817590

Dimensions

W.	9.06 in;	H.	24.41 in;	D.	6.3 in;
W.	23 cm;	H.	62 cm;	D.	16 cm;

Message from Seller:

Spectandum, a by-appointment gallery in Leuven, Belgium, can be reached at contact@spectandum.com 32475648678. The gallery specializes in Natural History, Ethnography, European works of art, antiquities, and rare curiosities sourced from around the world.