Strong Songye Kifwebe Kilume mask, DR Congo, 1960-70

The Kifwebe mask has a deep symbolic meaning for the Songye culture, where it represents the strength and protection of the community. It plays a central role in initiation and healing rituals, where the wearer is seen as a medium between the spiritual and human worlds. The mask can also emphasize the authority and sovereignty of the leader or ceremonial leader. The mask belongs to the secret male society called Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe.

Characteristics of the Kifwebe mask (Kilume):
Origin: The mask comes from the Songye tribe, who live mainly in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is often used in rituals that serve both religious and social purposes.

Meaning and symbolism:

Kifwebe refers to the spiritual being that is depicted. The mask is often worn for an initiation ritual or in ceremonial contexts, such as protecting the community from evil or promoting prosperity. The Kilume variant is a specific style of mask, often worn by male dancers or ritual leaders.
Physical characteristics:

The mask has a straight, geometric shape and a pronounced face. The lines and geometric patterns can vary, but the face is usually very abstract, with sharp angles and sometimes a pronounced bridge of the nose and large eyes.
The mask can often be decorated with hair, feathers or other ornaments, depending on the specific ceremony or its purpose.
The chin is usually straight, and the facial expression is stern or menacing, intended to command respect or to demonstrate the wearer's spiritual power.
Function:

The mask has both ceremonial and social functions. It is worn by male members of the community, especially leaders or ritual leaders.
It is used in initiation and dance ceremonies where the spirits of ancestors or demons can be invoked. Style differences:

There are different types of Kifwebe masks, of which the male versions (Kilume) have more rounded faces and a coarser appearance compared to the female masks (Kilwa), which are often more refined.
Material: The mask is often made of wood, sometimes with decorations of iron or copper and is finished with a white-burned paint to emphasize its sacred status. The use of paint and materials varies by region and period.

In the art world, the Kifwebe mask is often seen as an important example of African art and is appreciated for its symbolism, aesthetics and role in cultural rituals.

This is an impressive and penetrating mask. In reality even more impressive because of its size, with a lot of depth and strong facial features. The mask is in good condition! It is a trade art mask, so made "for us". It combines the style of the 1930s in the front part of the face and for the rest the style as it was used in the 1960s and 1970s. If used in a uniform style and tribally, such a mask will easily cost 2250.00 or more....

Length: approx. 48 cm, excluding the beard
Weight: 1653 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Date: 1960-70

Excluding stand