Description:

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye culture, ca. early 20th century. The most well-known masks of the Songye culture are Kifwebe masks worn in connection with the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society. Kifwebe means "mask" in the Songye language. This example is carved in the form of a face that is covered with an incised concentric banded pattern - each section adorned with natural pigment - has a square protruding mouth and a vane nose set between slit, globular eyes. The pronounced central crest suggests it depicts a male visage. Female examples have a relatively plain coiffure. The size of the crest is what determines the magical power of the mask. This example shows wonderful low and high relief carving and is elaborately painted with red, black, and cream hues. Perforations along the periphery for ornament and/or attaching to costume. Custom stand. Size: 8" W at widest x 13.75" H (20.3 cm x 34.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois USA, acquired prior to 1970

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#123192

  • Condition: Age cracks, inactive insect holes, and losses to mouth as shown. Surface wear with areas of pigment loss and encrustation.

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May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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