Songye Kifwebe Mask

Democratic Republic of Congo

Mid 20th c

13 ¼ inches high x 7 inches wide

Ex: Woods Davies, Venice, CA

SOLD

This Western female Kifwebe mask signals goodness, health, purity, beauty and reproductive capacity. The mask was used to activate benevolent spirits during lunar rites, funerals and enthronement ceremonies. It displays a key-hole shape, flat chest, half moon eyes and large jutting mouth. The mask has a grooved linear surface defined by pale wood beneath and black parallel bands.