"Kifwebe" mask "kilume" (male mask) ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3047983

Description

wood, black paint, kaolin, plant fibre, animal hair, rest.

“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 “kilume” (male mask) with the object ID 3047983 was last part of the auction 96th Auction at April 24, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 337 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,600.

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.