"Kifwebe" mask "kikashi" (female type) · D. R. Congo, Songe / Luba · ID: 3048736
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 15 June 2002, Lot 491
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany
Description
wood, kaolin, black paint, base
“Kifwebe” masks were the property of the “bwadi bwa kifwebe” male society, which was responsible for maintaining social order and political power within the Songe society.
Community leaders made use of witchcraft (“buchi”) and magic (“masende”) to enforce desired behaviour.
To harness the powers of “buchi” and “masende”, “kifwebe” masks are danced. It was believed that the power of the masks would give their wearers supernatural powers and abilities.
The object “Kifwebe” mask “kikashi” (female type) with the object ID 3048736 was last part of the auction 98th Auction at March 26, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 91 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,200.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.