{"product_id":"songye-original-kifwebe-mask-dr-congo-african-tribal-art","title":"Songye Original Kifwebe Mask — DR Congo - African tribal art","description":"Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo — Songye peoples (Kifwebe society)\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 46 cm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Carved wood, natural pigment (black, ochre, cream tones)\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Age-consistent surface wear; pigment shows natural fading in raised areas; stable wood structure\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSEND YOUR OFFER FOR THIS MAGNIFICENT TRIBAL PIECE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the piece: \u003cbr\u003eA 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCultural Significance:\u003cbr\u003eKifwebe 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.","brand":"\u0026 Other Stories","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48135305756898,"sku":"ALB-MAS-49","price":239.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0825\/2201\/3922\/files\/297f5ec2-4bad-4568-b0a1-00b282301153.jpg?v=1785887113","url":"https:\/\/www.alobalo.shop\/products\/songye-original-kifwebe-mask-dr-congo-african-tribal-art","provider":"Alobalo ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}