African Songye Kifwebe Mask With Expressive Face Large Sized Wall Hanging
AA12032302SWM
£0.00
Worldwide Delivery
Large sized Songye Male Kifwebe mask from The Congo circa 1910s.
Traditionally, the Kifwebe mask is very symbolic in the Bantu culture of central Africa.
Male Kifwebe masks were mainly used for initiation ceremonies, circumcisions, enthronements and burial of a high chief and other such rituals.
The ruggedness of the mask itself symbolizes the underworld and the spirits escaped from within it.
Out of stock
Product Details
This mask is decorated with carved linear bands in alternating white colour and plain wood.
The shape is tapered from the eye level upward to a crested head and downwards to a slim pointed chin.
Large wedge shaped nose in plain wood.
Small slanted coffee bean shaped eyes.
Large protruding rectangular mouth indented in the centre and coloured deep red.
The voluptuous lips are plain black.
The presence of a tall crested head indicates this is a male Kifwebe mask.
Note the small holes to the side of the mask.
These holes would have held raffia stripes and leaves during ceremonies adding to the drama of the masquerade.
Can be mounted on a stand or hung on a wall.
Dimensions
57cm high x 25cm wide x 22cm deep.
Product Condition
Very good antique condition.
Shows some signs consistent with age.
Please see all images.
