Zemanek-Münster

Mask "kifwebe" ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3041035

not available anymore
Provenance
Sothebys London, 30 November 1987, lot 28
Preuss, Darmstadt, Germany
Size
H: 32 cm
H: 12.6 inch

Description

wood, kaolin, black and red paint, encrusted in parts, characteristic features: box shape and fine grooved surface, remains of a net-like plant fibre costume backside, slightly dam., minor missing parts (along lower rim), metal base;
“kifwebe” represents a spirit being and belongs to the association which bears the same name, “bwadi ka bifwebe”. Present mask has a whitened facial plane and flat forehead crest, which proves her to be female. Female masks, called “kikashi”, represent positive powers and are mainly used at masquerades taking place at night, for example at important moon ceremonies, or in case of death of a chief.


The object Mask “kifwebe” with the object ID 3041035 was last part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction at November 5, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 457.

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.


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