Old Songye Kifwebe Mask (Female)

ITEM NAME:
Singe Kifwebe Mask
ITEM #:
4095
ETHNICITY:
Luba
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Wood, Pigment.
DIMENSIONS:
15″ Tall (38.1 cm) on Stand
CONDITION:
Good

PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection – Florida, USA.

CATALOGUE NOTE:
Immerse yourself in the profound cultural tapestry of the Songye people with our authentic Songye Kifwebe mask. The female Kifwebe, known as “kikashi,” is an exquisite piece that captures more than just the eye—it embodies tradition, authority, and spiritual reverence.
The Songye Kifwebe Mask, hand-carved with intrinsic care, bears a refined, grooved pattern on its face, filled with white pigment to signify purity, peace, the glow of the moon, and the brilliance of light. Its contrasting colors—vibrant reds around the temple and chin and bold blacks accentuating the eyes and nose—are laden with deep meanings. Red evokes the essence of courage, fortitude, blood, and fire but also caution for the dangers and evils that lurk.
Unlike its male counterpart, the “kilume,” this female mask does not feature a high comb over the head. Instead, its understated elegance speaks to the positive energies it represents. Historically, the kikashi was at the heart of nocturnal ceremonies, such as during lunar events, or marking the momentous occasions of a ruler’s ascension or departure from this world.
Each facial element metaphorically connects to revered animals like the lion, zebra, bushbuck, crocodile, and porcupine. These creatures’ distinctive traits are thought to be embodied in the mask’s spirit, influencing the wearer and observers alike.
This mask, coupled with its traditional woven costume and raffia beard, was more than an art form; it was a conduit for those with supernatural abilities to commune with spirits. Worn by men of significant stature, these masks danced at pivotal ceremonies, served under rulers as enforcers, or even as emblems of defiance in the face of conflict.
Embrace the Songye Kifwebe mask (female) as a centerpiece for the culturally avid collector, or let it stand as a symbol of authority and the transformative power of tradition in your space. This mask is not just an artifact; it’s a passage into an ancient society where art, life, and the supernatural connect in a tapestry of honored customs.