Mask "kifwebe" ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3037067

Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, covered with fine linear grooves, min. dam., smalll missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
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.