Mask board of the "kifwebe" society

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Description

wood, brown patina, kaolin, lancet-shaped, the flat front side incised with triangular compartments filled with grooved decor and a small mask face in the lower third, in style of a characteristic “kifwebe” mask, the underside slightly vaulted, collection number “FX92299” handwritten in white paint at the lower left rim, drilled hole for suspension, slightly dam., the backside with severe traces of insect caused damage, the tip missing in parts, metal base;
the masking society “bwadi ka bifwebe” possesses various objects adorned with masks (e. g. weaving shuttles, knives even sandals) and shields like the present one, which were hung to a wall or fence, as emblem of the “bifwebe” society.

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Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 164 f.

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