Lot 445 A SONGYE KIFWEBE MASK, CONGO
Reference: ART4003049
Wood. It is unusual to find a totally black Kifwebe mask. All known examples have a shallow tapering lower half. This mask has a brutish quality and was made by the kalebwe subtribe. The signs of wear, both back and front, testify of repeated ritual use. Kifwebe masks were used by the Badi Bwa Kifwebe society and their ritual restored law and order. Old Dutch collection.
H. 46 cm.