Description: ETHNOGRAPHIC WOOD MASK SONGYE CLASSIC KIFWEBE RAFFIA CUBIST ART Type of Object: FACE MASK Ethnic Group: SONGYE Country of Origin: DR CONGO (ZAIRE) Materials: WOOD, PIGMENT, PLANT FIBER, KAOLIN Approximate Age: 40 +yrs uncertain Dimensions: 17.0 x 8.0 x 10.0 Weight: 2.5 lbs; Overall Condition: Used, Very Good It was used by the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society for initiations, circumcisions, weddings and funerals. In the Songye language kifwebe means mask. This mask attributed also to the Baluba tribe has impressive shapes, the nose forming part of a crest like hairdo, enlarged eyelids a protruding boxlike mouth and lineal often in white and red, on the entire surface. It embodied supernatural forces. The kifwebe society used it to ward off disaster or any treat. These type of masks are worn at ceremonies honoring a dead chief, or at the installation of a new chief, and at the welcoming of important visitors in the village. These masks had the capacity to heal by means of the supernatural force it was supposed to incorporate. The ritual of exorcism consisted of holding the sick man's mask while a magician acted as if he were casting it into the fire. For further reading;Masks of Black Africa by Ladislas Segy. Shipping & Handling Detail: US Buyers: Secure shipping and insurance will be determined by territory at close of auction. International Buyers: Secure shipping and insurance will be determined by territory at close of auction. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's custom office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
Price: 1200 USD
Location: Bedford, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2023-12-27T12:25:20.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
Country/Region of Manufacture: Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
Handmade: Yes
Modified Item: No
Culture: African
