These mask is from people of Ituri were worn by the man charged with instruction and circumcision and in feasts following young mens’ period of seclusion. Height : 32 x 31cm Material : Wood , Pigment , other Provenance : Private Collection Estimated age : Early 20th century
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…
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.
This mask used during initiation , circumission or funeral ceremonies a dance will wear the mask and his body will covered with straw. Dimensions : 52x30cm Material : Wood , Pigment , Rafia Provenance : Acquired in Congo 1971 , Private Collection Estimated age : 1st Half XXth Century