Fine,African Mask,SONGYE,KIFWEBE,Mask,African Art

Old African SONGYE KIFWEBE Society Mask Dimension

17"(34" w/Raffia)H  x    10"W  x    7"D

Age cracks  - Base is not included

Mid 20th Century

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"Kifwebe masks were made for the Bwadi ya Kifwebe association, a type of policing society that provided a means of controlling social behavior and neutralizing disruptive elements within the group. These masks appeared at the installation and death of a chief, and at the initiation rites of young men as well as a whole range of occasions that included punishments, warfareand public work.

There is great variety and symbolism within the various Kifwebe masks. More than thirty different mask names have been recorded. Several have animal names while other masks have names of illnesses like leprosy or names denoting natural phenomena. For the most part Kifwebe masks no longer function to maintain social control among the Songye except in the southeastern
regions bordering on Luba territory.

A male Kifwebe mask can be identified by its large comb or crest. The size and height of the crest, in comparison to other masks danced in the same performance, indicates seniority or higher rank and the relative spiritual power of the dancer. Junior masks have smaller crests as an indication of their lesser degree of social power. The features of male masks -- strong, protruding eyes, nose, mouth and crest -- all extend from the plane of the face. This extension of facial forms into space
expresses male aggression. The use of vivid coloring is also more typical of male masks.