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…
The figure builds a bridge between the visible and the invisible, the sacred and the profane, the living and the dead, the traditional and the modern. It appeared at healing rituals and protected against illness or magic spells. Height : 46 x 14 cm Materials : Wood Provenance : Private…
Bwami Society only Men in culture enter the centuries old Bwami society to learn skills and wisdom for life that are taught to initiates through art. Height : 26x13cm Material : Wood , Pigment , Rafia Provenace : Collected Bukavu ( Congo) 1969 , Private Collection Estimated Age : 20th…
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…