Wooden mask - Songye - DR Congo

Male Kifwebe (Kilume) mask – Songye People (Kalebwe Subgroup), D.R. Congo Carved wooden sculpture with a cubist/expressive structure featuring deep incised grooves (striae), characterized by a high sagittal frontal crest, protruding globular eyes with horizontal slits, and a squared, protruding mouth. The work retains traditional opaque polychromy with white pigment (kaolin) alternating with the dark striations of the wood and the patina of use. The prominent central crest that runs along the forehead identifies this specimen as a male mask (Kilume) attributed to the Kalebwe sub-regional style (Lomami Province, D.R. Congo). The rear hollow shows clear signs of hand carving with an axe and peripheral holes for fixing the ritual costume in raffia fiber. Among the Songye (and Luba) peoples, the Kifwebe mask (plural Bwifwebe) is not only an aesthetic object, but the visual and spiritual embodiment of the secret male confraternity of the same name (Bwadi bwa Kifwebe). Technical Features • Culture / Ethnicity: Songye (Kalebwe Subgroup / Lomami Region) • Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) • Type: Ceremonial male mask Kilume (Bwadi bwa Kifwebe) • Era: Mid/Late 20th century (ca. 1950/1970–2000) • Materials: Carved wood, natural mineral pigments (kaolin/black earth), patina of use • Dimensions: Height 42 cm × Width 26 cm × Depth 20 cm Item shipped with courier and insured.

Estimate:$420.08

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