"Kifwebe" mask "kikashi" (female type) · D. R. Congo, Songye / Luba · ID: 3049634
Bernhard Jäger, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
Description
wood, kaolin, green and red pigment, signature “Kankenza Seigneur” incised on reverse, original repair, base
“Kifwebe” masks were the property of the “bwadi bwa kifwebe” male society, who relied on the ideology of witchcraft (“buchi”) and sorcery (“masende”) to sustain their rule.
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.
Female masks are more closely related to the physical world and reproduction, and their movements are calmer and more controlled. They must activate the benevolent spirits which contribute to the birth of the coming generation. They watch over the cyclic course of things, assuring continuity and smooth transitions.
The object “Kifwebe” mask “kikashi” (female type) with the object ID 3049634 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023. The object with the lot number 162 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,200 with an asking price of EUR 800.
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.
Comparing literature
Hersak, Dunja, "The Kifwebe Masking Phenomenon, in : Herreman, F. & C. Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 145 ff.