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Songye Original Kifwebe Mask — DR Congo - African tribal art
Songye Original Kifwebe Mask — DR Congo - African tribal art
Regular price
$239.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$239.00 USD
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Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo — Songye peoples (Kifwebe society)
Height: 46 cm
Material: Carved wood, natural pigment (black, ochre, cream tones)
Condition: Age-consistent surface wear; pigment shows natural fading in raised areas; stable wood structure
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About the piece:
A striking Songye Kifwebe mask carved with bold linear striation across the face. A raised central nose ridge runs the full length, decorated with a chevron pattern in alternating dark and light bands, flanked by oval tubular eyes set into the striated planes. Large, flared, ribbed ear forms extend prominently from either side, echoing the same striped treatment. Deep black-blue tones combine with warm ochre and cream pigment for a dramatic, high-contrast effect designed for powerful impact during performance.
Cultural Significance:
Kifwebe masks are central to the Songye Kifwebe society, which maintains law and order, presides over initiation ceremonies, and appears at funerals of important community members. The striated surface patterning is symbolically significant, not decorative: the density, direction, and coloration of the ridges encode the mask's character and power. Masks with more pronounced raised ridges and darker coloration, as seen here, are traditionally associated with male, authoritative, or more aggressive spirit types — distinct from the flatter, lighter-toned masks linked to calmer, female-associated roles. Danced with deliberate, vigorous movement, Kifwebe masks were designed to make the striated surface appear to shimmer, amplifying their visual and spiritual force.
Height: 46 cm
Material: Carved wood, natural pigment (black, ochre, cream tones)
Condition: Age-consistent surface wear; pigment shows natural fading in raised areas; stable wood structure
SEND YOUR OFFER FOR THIS MAGNIFICENT TRIBAL PIECE
About the piece:
A striking Songye Kifwebe mask carved with bold linear striation across the face. A raised central nose ridge runs the full length, decorated with a chevron pattern in alternating dark and light bands, flanked by oval tubular eyes set into the striated planes. Large, flared, ribbed ear forms extend prominently from either side, echoing the same striped treatment. Deep black-blue tones combine with warm ochre and cream pigment for a dramatic, high-contrast effect designed for powerful impact during performance.
Cultural Significance:
Kifwebe masks are central to the Songye Kifwebe society, which maintains law and order, presides over initiation ceremonies, and appears at funerals of important community members. The striated surface patterning is symbolically significant, not decorative: the density, direction, and coloration of the ridges encode the mask's character and power. Masks with more pronounced raised ridges and darker coloration, as seen here, are traditionally associated with male, authoritative, or more aggressive spirit types — distinct from the flatter, lighter-toned masks linked to calmer, female-associated roles. Danced with deliberate, vigorous movement, Kifwebe masks were designed to make the striated surface appear to shimmer, amplifying their visual and spiritual force.
Product features
Product features
Materials and care
Materials and care
Merchandising tips
Merchandising tips
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