Songe (Democratic Republic of Congo). Kifwebe Mask. Wood, pigment. Height: 13 inches Width: 9 ¼ inches Depth: 6 ¾ inch...

Description

Songe (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Kifwebe Mask
Wood, pigment
Height: 13 inches Width: 9 ¼ inches Depth: 6 ¾ inches

This classic example, with its primarily white coloration and non-obtrusive head crest, is the female form of Kifwebe mask. Each Bwadi-bwa Society group had only one female mask, which was the first to be carved. This mask led in the several male masks at the beginning of ritual performances. There is old wear and abrasion along with old drying separation at the top center rear, with some related subsidiary cracking. An old loss is at the lower outside corner on the proper left side, along with chips to several striations and gnawing scars under each eye on the mask front.

Provenance:
Jerotsky Collection, New York
James Willis, San Francisco



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