The Songye people, sometimes written Songe, are a Bantu ethnic group from the central Democratic Republic of Congo. The Songye people are well-known woodcarvers for making ceremonial masks and power figures. Kifwebe masks belong to the bwadi bwa kifwebe association a masculine initiatory society. Members of this society were believed to possess sorcerers’ powers, they exerted control over the population in order to maintain the status of the political elite. This is a masculine polychrome mask and it features a sagittal crest, it has black, red and white colors. t is believed to be a senior mask, one of the most powerful masks because of its large crest, the strength of the mask lies in the crest. These masks were tightly attached to a costume made of woven bark which consists of a smock and trousers which together cover the entire body. These masks were used at important ceremonies such as enthronement, funeral ceremonies of chiefs, burial ceremonies and initiation of young boys. This mask looks visibly old and worn out due to age.
- Material:Wood, Paint, Fibre
- Age:approx 50-60yrs
- Origin:Democratic Republic Of Congo
- Condition: Worn out costume
- SKU: CMSK-051
- Weight: 3.6 kg
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 35 x 22.5 cm