This mask type ‘Kifwebe’ belongs to the male secret society ‘Bwadi-Bwa-Kifwebe’ of the Songye, in southeastern Congo. Men with such ‘Kifwebe masks’ and in full body costumes of plant fibres perform the functions of the police, amongst the Songye. Furthermore, they perform at important events such as initiations and funerals.
The present ‘Kifwebe mask’ shows the typical Songye style of these masks: it is completely covered with a geometric pattern of deep, straight and chip-carved lines. The narrow slitted eyes are slightly downturned. The nose and the rectangular mouth project far forwards. The mask is carved from relatively lightweight wood, and is coloured in brown, black and white on the exterior. Remains of the white kaolin can be seen in the grooves of the typical Kifwebe reliefs, which covers the mask. The rim of the mask has holes all the way around, for fastening the mask costume, of which traces remain on this object.
This piece is an example of the ‘female’ type of the ‘Kifwebe’ masks (without crest). Such masks with a high, round crest at the top of the head represent the male version. There is a small, old fracture on the lower edge, and around the mouth. Otherwise no damage. A very typical ‘Kifwebe’ mask, with good, partly shiny usage patina at the back, inside.
Height: 27 cm; width: 19 cm (the mask alone, without hanging).
First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Private collection, Paris; currently: Austrian private collection.

Lit.:
‘Songye’ by Francois Neyt, ill. p. 358, 361, 362 et passim.