Collected in 1999 (Bukavu _ DRC) lega Mask used in bwami society during circumcision. Made with Wood, Rafia , and pigments , Height : 33x17cm. it’s from Privare Collections Nairobi
Kakulu ka Mpito was duped by the adulterous Waiyinda or by Mukobania, ‘the divider,’ who caused trouble by calling together people whom he did not know well for a beer party. Height : 27cm Material : Wood, Leather. Provenance: Collected in Congo Bukavu 1985 ,African Heritage , Private Collection Estimated…
This mask was used as part of the cult of the Bwami, Height : 25×15 cm Materials : Wood , Rafia , Pigment Estimated age : Mid 20th Century Provenance : Private Collections
Songye panel with Named after the men’s society and its mask, Kifwebe controlled the behavior of women and children and collected and redistributed wealth.
For the Songye, the term kifwebe generically means mask. This designation, kifwebe, was used for the first time in 1905-1906 . The first cults of kifwebe masks began at the turn of the 20th century. this mask became an instrument of social power , color of this mask are symbolic…
Masks were used during Munkanda initiation rites for young boys and the Uyanga society, the men’s hunting association that instructed young boys in the hunt and also advanced men through a series of endurance tests. Other men’s asking societies appeared at funerals. Among the Chokwe dances are also the means…