Tribal Art Auction 2016 5 to 12 March 2016

Ethnographic

LOT 127: Male Songye Kifwebe Mask

Songye Tribe, DRC. Late C19th - mid C20th. Staining commensurate with age and use.

Kifwebe, striated, masks represent either male or female beings. Both are characterised by abstract designs with geometric stripes or grooves which are unique to each mask. Hooded eyelids and 'block-like' mouths are often stained with a red pigment. Male masks feature a high forehead crest, representing the magical powers of the mask (a larger crest = greater power). Female masks are far rarer and feature more white pigment. The main function of the masks was to control social order.

Wood, kaolin, pigment.

32 x 20 cms

Sold

Tribal Art Auction 2016 - LOT 127: Male Songye Kifwebe Mask
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