Wooden Songye Kifwebe mask
Songye Kifwebe Mask
Date: early to mid 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of Congo,
Culture: Songye people
Dimensions: 40cm L x 22cm W x 14cm D.
Weight: 812g
Material: wood
Condition: good for its age, has some wear on the pigment and some old small wood worm holes - see photos
The Songye Kifwebe Mask, originates from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a symbolic form of African tribal art. Carved from wood, these masks are characterised by bold patterns, prominent crests and are typically coloured red, black, and white.
The masks are often associated with rites of passage, and ceremonies related to governance and justice. They are divided into two main types; male and female. The male mask represents authority and strength. The female mask, more subtle with a rounded form, signifies fertility and nurturing.
The history of the Songye Kifwebe mask dates back to the early to mid-20th century, within secret societies such as the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe. These societies used the masks during initiation rituals and community events, reinforcing social structures and spiritual beliefs. Over time, the Kifwebe Mask has become a symbol of cultural identity and spiritual connection.
Songye Kifwebe Mask
Date: early to mid 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of Congo,
Culture: Songye people
Dimensions: 40cm L x 22cm W x 14cm D.
Weight: 812g
Material: wood
Condition: good for its age, has some wear on the pigment and some old small wood worm holes - see photos
The Songye Kifwebe Mask, originates from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a symbolic form of African tribal art. Carved from wood, these masks are characterised by bold patterns, prominent crests and are typically coloured red, black, and white.
The masks are often associated with rites of passage, and ceremonies related to governance and justice. They are divided into two main types; male and female. The male mask represents authority and strength. The female mask, more subtle with a rounded form, signifies fertility and nurturing.
The history of the Songye Kifwebe mask dates back to the early to mid-20th century, within secret societies such as the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe. These societies used the masks during initiation rituals and community events, reinforcing social structures and spiritual beliefs. Over time, the Kifwebe Mask has become a symbol of cultural identity and spiritual connection.
Songye Kifwebe Mask
Date: early to mid 20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of Congo,
Culture: Songye people
Dimensions: 40cm L x 22cm W x 14cm D.
Weight: 812g
Material: wood
Condition: good for its age, has some wear on the pigment and some old small wood worm holes - see photos
The Songye Kifwebe Mask, originates from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a symbolic form of African tribal art. Carved from wood, these masks are characterised by bold patterns, prominent crests and are typically coloured red, black, and white.
The masks are often associated with rites of passage, and ceremonies related to governance and justice. They are divided into two main types; male and female. The male mask represents authority and strength. The female mask, more subtle with a rounded form, signifies fertility and nurturing.
The history of the Songye Kifwebe mask dates back to the early to mid-20th century, within secret societies such as the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe. These societies used the masks during initiation rituals and community events, reinforcing social structures and spiritual beliefs. Over time, the Kifwebe Mask has become a symbol of cultural identity and spiritual connection.