"Kifwebe" Masque "kilume" (Masque masculin) ·  R. D. Congo, Songye · ID: 3047983

Description

wood, black paint, kaolin, plant fibre, animal hair, rest.

“Kifwebe” masks were the property of the “bwadi bwa kifwebe” male 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. It was believed that the power of the masks would give their wearers supernatural powers and abilities.