Mask "kifwebe", female type "kikashi" · D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3032297
Eduard Hess, Oberwil near Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, polychrome paint, of typical form with a flat chin, arching brows in concentric lines, min. dam., cracks, traces of abrasion;
the lack of a comb proves that this mask is of female type, called “kikashi”. They represent positive powers and are mainly used at masquerades taking place at night, for example at important moon ceremonies, or in case of the death of chief.
The object Mask “kifwebe”, female type “kikashi” with the object ID 3032297 was part of the auction 68th tribal art auction on March 3, 2012. The object with the lot number 247 achieved a sales price of EUR 17,000 with an asking price of EUR 5,000.
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.
Exhibition
Oberwil 1990