Songye Kifwebe "Masque de Case"

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, given its size, rather a "masque de case", an accessory object carried during ceremonies and kept safe in the owner's house, hence the name. It is a strong classical execution with the typically known cubistic features of mouth, eyes and nose, which are linked to the Songye style. The black and white pallet, respectively mud and kaolin colouring, has been preserved nicely.
 
Tribe:
Songye, Democratic Republic of Congo
 
Period:
Mid 20th century
 
Provenance:
Belgian private collection
 
wood, raphia
20 cm
sold without stand