Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye peoples, ca. second quarter of the 20th century CE. An large hand-carved wooden Kifwebe mask, worn in association with the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society. A fine example with meticulously carved linear motifs, a square protruding mouth, and a nose set between two narrow eyes. This example is nicely painted with white to contrast with the dark wood. Perforations along the edges likely held additional ornamentation or attached to a costume. Kifwebe masks were thought to have supernatural powers and possessed secret knowledge or wisdom within their carved features. Size: 8.4" W x 17.7" H (21.3 cm x 45 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Martin Boxer collection; ex-Komor Gallery, New York City, New York, USA circa 1960

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#160625

  • Condition: Minor abrasions to face, peripheries, and verso, with very light fading to pigment in areas across face, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina and remains of white pigment across obverse.

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February 4, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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