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African Songye Luba Congo Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe Wood Carved Ceremonial Dance Mask

About the Item

A wonderful hand carved wood Kifwebe mask created by the Songye and Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kifwebe mask are used by the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society and are worn during funerals, initiations, and to help fight and ward off evil. The masks are decorated to represent ancestral spirits through dramatic, geometric almost alien like designs (with a mix of human and animal -zebra, crocodile, aardvark - influences) and often have a striped pattern painted or pigment decoration. Male masks (kilume) are known for having a high crest on top and are generally more aggressive in rituals and performances while female masks (kikashi/bakashi) lack a high crest or have a small one and are associated with more benign spirits. We believe this mask is the female version. Based on the natural wear and patina, we believe this piece is from the early to mid 1900s but could be older. A fine example of a Kifwebe mask which are becoming scare and hard to find. Would make for a great addition to any African folk mask or artifacts collection of make for an eye catching accent piece in about any setting. Dimensions: 14" high, 7.5" wide, 7.75" deep
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 7.75 in (19.69 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paint,Wood,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
    Congo
  • Period:
    Mid-20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early to Mid 1900s
  • Condition:
    In very good vintage condition with natural organic wear and loss consistent with age and use and quite acceptable with pieces of this age (please see photos). Gorgeous patina. Beautiful and engaging overall.
  • Seller Location:
    Studio City, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2254349528072