Mask "kifwebe", male type "ndoshi" ·  D. R. Congo, Kalebwe Region, Songe · ID: 3046784

Description

wood, polychrome painted,
“Kifwebe” masks were the property of the “bwadi bwa kifwebe” society, which was responsible for maintaining social order and political power within the Songe society.

Community leaders made use of witchcraft (“buchi”) and magic (“masende”) to enforce desired behaviour; to harness the powers of “buchi” and “masende”, “kifwebe” masks are danced.

With the “kifwebe” (pl. “bifwebe”) - masks three types can be distinguished: the male type “kilume”, which was worn by important members of the community; the female type “kikashi”, a benevolent mask figure and the most powerful type, “ndoshi”, masks that are linked with magic and especially sorcery.

A comparable mask of this type illustrated in Neyt (2019), p. 97, Pl. 40.

Comparing literature

Neyt, Francois, Kifwebe, A century of Songye and Luba Masks, Milan, 2019