Mask "kifwebe" ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3032683

Description

wood, partly shiny patina, remains of pigments, covered with fine linear grooves, two labels backside “M.92.2 Kifwebe Mask, wood with old Patina, rare old style, Songe, Zaire, 17” high." und “9/18/80 - 14 - Mask 17” high, Songe Za.", pierced around the rim, dam., missing parts (back), traces of insect caused damage, cracks;
the “kifwebe” masks embody a spirit being and belong to an association which bears the same name “bwadi ka bifwebe”. The mask is supplemented by a plaited costume and a long beard of raffia fiber. It used to appear at various ceremonies, with the function of a security force or for warding off enemies in cases of war.