Mask "kifwebe", male type "kilume"

Description

wood, polychrome paint, animal hair, of elongated form, entirely coated with concentrical grooves, accentuated by red, white and black pigment rubbed into the deepenings, pierced around the rim, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage and 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 case of war.