Product Description
Luba Songye Kifwebe Mask – Congo
This striated masks, or Kifwebe, originates from the Songye, southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These types of masks were used to mark important periods of social transition and transformation, appearing at the death of a chief or any other eminent person, or when a person assumes an important political title.
Made of 100% wood
Model is W 25 – H 10 and weight 1.2 kg.
Description
This striated masks, or Kifwebe, originates from the Songye, southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These types of masks were used to mark important periods of social transition and transformation, appearing at the death of a chief or any other eminent person, or when a person assumes an important political title. Worn on the night of the new moon, they are also performed in honor of ancestors. Masks in the Luba-Songye style are distinguished by the convex forehead over a concave facial plane, the almond shaped downcast eyes, the broad band bisecting the forehead and continuing down the nose terminating in a sagittal tip, and the lined surface design in relief. The combination of Luba and Songye styles is typical for the border region between both people and has historic roots.
The Luba attribute its origins to three spirits, which emerged from a ditch near a lake. The female spirit was attracted by humans and went to live among them. The two male spirits stayed in the bush but visited the village where they dazzled the inhabitants with their dancing to the point where the men begged to be initiated. These distinctive masks vary a great deal but in general, are characterized by linear patterns all over the face. They were worn with a raffia costume. Danced in male/female couples and representing spirits, kifwebe connect this world and the spirit world. They also are perceived as having healing abilities.
The Songye people, like Luba people, are well-known Zappo Zap wood carvers who are renowned for making ceremonial masks, power figures, and other ceremonial items. They live in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the savannah and forest land on the left of the River Lualaba. They are related to the Luba who share some of the principles of their craftsmanship and who also call their masks kifewebe. For the Songye, pottery is for women while carving, weaving and metalwork are done by the men. During the first two decades of the twentieth century, the kifwebe masking tradition spread throughout the Luba and Songye regions of southwest DRC. Female masks are distinguished from male masks by geometric patterns that represent beauty, including dots, crosses, chevrons, and triangles. Entirely different are Luba masks with curved ram’s horns.
The Songye history is closely linked to the Luba’s, to whom the Songye are related through common ancestors. Having waged war against one another for a long time, the Songye and Luba later formed an alliance to fight the Arabs. They settled on the left bank of the Lualaba River, on a savanna and forest-covered plateau. Divided into many subgroups, the 150,000 Songye people are governed by a central chief assisted by innumerable secret societies.
Additional information
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 25 × 10 cm |
| Color | |
| Material |
Leave a reply
Returns and Exchanges
There are a few important things to keep in mind when returning a product you purchased.You can return unwanted items by post within 7 working days of receipt of your goods.
- You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.
- Only items that have been purchased directly from Us.
- Please ensure that the item you are returning is repackaged with all elements.
Ship your item back to Us
Firstly Print and return this Returns Form to:
30 South Park Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Please remember to ensure that the item you are returning is repackaged with all elements.
For more information, view our full Returns and Exchanges information.
Related Products
The male fetish figure originates from the Songye, in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They were believed to ward off evil, to preserve the tribe or the family from hostile powers, sorcerers or evil spirits, and to aid fertility. Large ones were owned by and served the community; small ones were for individual families. Adorned with additional objects, Bajimba, with magical properties (horns, skins, teeth, hair, feathers, beads, tacks, cloth, etc.), they gained their power not from the carver but from the Nganga, or spiritual leader. Their carving was considered secondary to their power. Often too powerful to touch, they were moved with long sticks. Although protective, these are confrontational objects, with a warrior's attitude.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 55 - H 15 and weight 1.2 kg.
This zoomorphic Dogon Dege mask made of wood, with chestnut brown patina, simple but yet very harmonious, is an exceptional piece for your collection. It originates from Mali, located in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza, Mopti region.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 70 - H 26 and weight 4 kg.
Vili Yombe Helmet Mask with nails basketry originating from DR Congo. The pigmented wooden mask, the features of the face are carved with great concern for details and naturalistic expression that are often found in the masks of the Woyo and Vili and also the Yombe, in its classical form. Finely carved with black and red pigment throughout. Each mask represents a supernatural being, an expression of the imaginary in which the ancestors are confused. Such masks are used during initiations, funerals of important individuals or may have social control functions or are used by diviners and healers. This mask is very pleasing to the eye and well proportioned in its simplicity, and would be a great addition to any collection.
Made of 100% wood, pigment.
Model is W 38 - H 54 and weight 0.7 kg.
This Lega (also known as Warega) mask originates from the Bwami tribe in Congo. A well-carved example of Lega wooden face mask. This face is enhanced by the eyebrows exceptionally carved in relief. The long and fine nose, as well as the open eyes and mouth, are carved according to the Lega style.
Made of 100% light hand-carved cane wood, fiber, and pigments.
Model is W 31 - H 20 and weight 0.8 kg.
This authentic carved wood mask, depicting an abstracted animal originates from Mali. Dogon masks, such as this one called kanaga, are worn primarily at dama, a collective funerary rite for Dogon men. The ritual’s goal is to ensure the safe passage of the spirits of the deceased to the world of the ancestors.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 49 – H 28 and weight 1.5 kg.
Bembe Alunga Helmet Mask depict a barrel-shaped said to embody forest spirits, and was generally hidden away and revealed only to select initiates. Its use in the village could range from entertainment to the imposition of fines and the settling of disputes especially if a member of the Alunga association was concerned. It is Janus-faced, with enormous eyes with cylindrical pupils framed in star shapes. Similar masks exist among their neighbours, the Goma, and are used in the Alunga association. In both cultures, such masks represent the spirit of dead and play the role of intermediaries between the living world and the invisible world. They are displayed in front of the initiates of the Kalunga or Butende to get their positive powers on them.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 38 - H 54 and weight 0.7 kg.
This beautiful well-carved mask comes from The Marka, Mali. This is one of the finest examples of Marka masks. This mask would have a place in any good collection for its artistic and intrinsic values.
Made of 100% wood, dark brown patina, sheet metal and red dyed fiber.
Model is W 36 - H 21 and weight 1.5 kg.
This ‘Gomintogo Mask’ originates from the Dogon people of Eastern Mali, and represent one of the 80 masks types of the tribe. The first mask was said to be originally carved by a farmer who killed the deer because it had devastated his fields. The farmer built an altar to shelter the spirit of the deer and prevent it to wanders and take revenge on the living people.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 10 – H 18 and weight 1.2 kg
This handmade comb originates from the Songye of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The combs were used by both men and women in elaborate and distinctive coiffures and a source of social status. Hair combs were considered a luxury and many become treasured items that were passed down through the generations.
Made of 100% Wood.
Model is W 21 - H 8 and weight 0.2 kg
This authentic mask, depicting an abstracted human face showing traces of exposure to the Elem bird mask is made of wood, with a crusted old wooden patina, originates from Mali, located in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza, Mopti region.
Made of 100% wood, fiber Patin.
Model is W 29 – H 20 and weight 2 kg.
This superbly sculpted Marka Mask is made of wood, covered with brass sheets, comes from Mali. This is one of the finest examples of Marka masks. This is a beautiful well-carved mask. The works on the brass sheet are final and superb. This mask would have a place in any good collection for its artistic and intrinsic values.
Made of 100% wood, dark brown patina, sheet metal and red dyed fiber.
Model is W 49 - H 17 and weight 2.2 kg.
Made of 100% Wood
Model is W 24 - H 39 - D 24 and weight 3 kg
This figurative jar originates from the Mangbetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This particular jar might have been used to give water or milk to an infant, and a sign of maternity. The jars were used during ceremonial rituals, and for entertainment purpose during the festivities. The women held it while dancing and in supplication, and to invite the viewers for a drink, therefore it was probably used for beverages other than water. However, in 1963, their role or use switched and they put aside for a reason we do not know. However, the Mangbetu were suspected to be practicing cannibalism so we believe the content of the jar might have been used to carry other types of beverages.
The present Janus figure Lega mask originates from the Bwami tribe in Congo. A well-carved example of Lega wooden face mask, carved from light-coloured wood and with the typical, heart-shaped Lega faces cup inwards, and feature coffee bean eyes and long, flat noses. Both faces were originally coloured white with kaolin (common for the Lega style).
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 36 - H 24 and weight 0.7 kg.
This Power Figure from the Dem. Rep. of Congo is called Yaka (or Bayaka). It represents a commemorative or reliquary ancestral figure. These are worshiped small huts and receive sacrificial offerings. It is a standing prayer position, with hands joined together. important ancestors in The reliquary figure, carved from very hard wood, displays the typical features of Yaka sculpture.
Made of 100% carved wood, kaolin and red redwood powder.
Model is W 16 - H 63 and weight 1.4 kg.
Teke are the oldest stratum of the Bantu population in the Republic of Congo. The name of this people indicates its occupation—that is, trading—from teke, meaning “to buy.” Teke masks are mainly used in traditional dancing ceremonies such as wedding, funeral and initiation ceremonies of young men entering adult hood. Figures of identical appearance serve also for success in hunting, trading, and other activities, each figure's purpose being known only to the owner.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 38 – H 22 and weight 1 kg.
This striated masks, or Kifwebe, originates from the Luba, southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These types of masks were used to mark important periods of social transition and transformation, appearing at the death of a chief or any other eminent person, or when a person assumes an important political title.
Made of 100% wood
Model is W 20 â H 40 and weight 0.9 kg.
This striated masks, or Kifwebe, originates from the Songye, southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These types of masks were used to mark important periods of social transition and transformation, appearing at the death of a chief or any other eminent person, or when a person assumes an important political title. The high forehead and the form of the mask imitate the heads of the pygmies, the original custodians of the land.
Made of 100% wood, pigment.
Model is W 23 – H 49 and weight 0.6 kg.
This tri-pigmented wooden mask is typical of the Vuvi: of classical form, finely carved with remains of black pigment on the hairline, brow, and chin, remaining red and white pigment throughout.Masks of this particular type have often been attributed to the Vuvi or Pove people in Gabon; Each mask represents a supernatural being, an expression of the imaginary in which the ancestors are confused.This mask is pleasing and well proportioned in its simplicity.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 21 â H 39 and weight 0.85 kg.
This authentic carved wood mask, depicting an abstracted animal originates from the Dogon tribe in Mali. The Kanaga masks depict the face as an almost long and rectangular box with deeply hollowed channels for the eyes. According to Dogon beliefs, it represents a wild monkey, uncivilized, dangerous, and antisocial behavior – the direct opposite of their beliefs about the way a proper, solid, upstanding Dogon person is expected to behave.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 18 – H 18 and weight 2 kg.
This tri-pigmented wooden mask is typical of the Vuvi: of classical form, finely carved with remains of black pigment on the hairline, brow, and chin, remaining red and white pigment throughout.Masks of this particular type have often been attributed to the Vuvi or Pove people in Gabon; Each mask represents a supernatural being, an expression of the imaginary in which the ancestors are confused.This mask is pleasing and well proportioned in its simplicity.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 25 â H 45 and weight 0.9 kg.
This zoomorphic deer mask is called ‘Gomintogo’. It originates from the Dogon people of Eastern Mali, and represent one of the 80 masks types of the tribe. The first mask was said to be originally carved by a farmer who killed the deer because it had devastated his fields. The farmer built an altar to shelter the spirit of the deer and prevent it to wanders and take revenge on the living people.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 24 – H 15 and weight 2.1 kg
This jewelry or ancestral box originate from the Mangbetu tribe, of the colonial history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The unknown artist who carved this box was not only skilled with an adze, or carving tool, but also a savvy businessman who understood his audience: while Mangbetu courtiers preferred boxes with geometric bases, Europeans preferred figurative sculptures. This piece would have been particularly attractive to European consumers, who held a prurient fascination for courtly Mangbetu hairstyles that accentuated the high foreheads of the nobility, shaped through cloth bindings during infancy. Estimated at 15.000 - 20.000 Euros.
Made of 100% wood, bark, vegetable fiber.
Model is W 26 â H 47 and weight 1.2 kg.
This ancestral Anthropomorphic head originate from the Mangbetu tribe, of the colonial history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Depicting the womenâs headdress and cranial modification achieved by binding the heads of babies among the Mangbetu, this piece would have been particularly attractive to European consumers, who held a prurient fascination for courtly Mangbetu hairstyles that accentuated the high foreheads of the nobility, shaped through cloth bindings during infancy. The unknown artist who carved this box understood his audience: while Mangbetu courtiers preferred boxes with geometric bases, Europeans preferred figurative sculptures.
Made of 100% wood, bark, vegetable fiber.
Model is W 22 â H 30 and weight 0.7 kg.
This beautiful piece is richly sculpted and has an interesting geometric bas-relief. It represents a funerary mask of prestige. The striated conical eyes are characteristic of the Kuba people of DR Congo.The art of the Kuba is one of the most highly developed of all African traditions, and significant cultural accomplishments are part of their heritage. Among the best known of Kuba art forms are royal portrait figures, ndop, idealized representations.
Made of 100% wood, pigment.
Model is W 20 â H 60 and weight 0.9 kg.
This type of circular pendant representing a sun refers to an ancient and complex passage of the Dogon cosmogony, at a time when light was given to men through 10 suns. It is is relatively rare in western collections. The sun symbol identification that is sometimes made seems to be foreign rather than a Dogon interpretation.
Made of 100% Brass / Bronze
Model is W 7 – H 2 and weight 0.12 kg.
A powerful and Authentic mid 20th century Krahn mask made of hard wood, with brown patina and pigment. The face has a very complex structure and might be identified to the baboon. It has scarifications and a large square tubular mouth. The surface shows a thick encrustation. It originates from Liberia.
Made of 100% Polychrome wood, pigments.
Model is W 20 – H 15 and weight 1.4 kg.
This authentic piece is called “Mbangu” (sickness mask) and originates from the Pende people of DR Congo. The Mbuya or village mask is characterized by a somber, gloomy expression such as this one, and represent human types, such as the chief, the diviner, the epileptic with a twisted mouth, the madman or man in a trance, the widow, the lover, or the executioner.
Made of 100% wood, aged surface with black pigment and kaolin.
Model is W 33 - H 16 and Weight 1 kg.
This abstract anthropomorphic carving originates mask from the Fang tribe. They were meant to protect. They are often of great aesthetic quality, which suggests that they are the culmination of a long sculptural tradition. Symbolic representations of ancestors, these comparatively rare heads hold a special place in the corpus of Fang statuary.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 25 - H 20 and weight 1kg.
Ancestor' Mangbetu figure box, originating from the Mangbetu peoples of Central Africa living to the south of the Zande in northeastern Congo (Kinshasa). They are believed to be ancestral portraits of Mangbetu royalties, and were used to decorate thrones, and likely placed in a shrine to honor them.
Made of 100% light wood, fiber Patin.
Model is W 40 - H 19 and weight 3 kg.
This zoomorphic Dogon mask made of wood, with chestnut brown patina, simple but yet very harmonious, is an exceptional piece for your collection. It originates from Mali, located in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza, Mopti region.
Made of 100% wood, laundry blue decorations.
Model is W 51 - H 20 and weight 3.9 kg.
This zoomorphic Dyodyomini Dogon mask made of Hardwood with a kaolin coating is an exceptional piece for your collection. It originates from Mali, located in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza, Mopti region. The term Dyodyomini which designates this type of mask evokes a bird that pecks. It would be a Dobu, a sort of hornbill, white and brown, with a long curved beak. It was created on the occasion of a Dama (funeral ceremony, the feast of mourning).
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 48 - H 192 and weight 1 kg.
This rare articulated Anthropomorphic Iginga doll made of wood originates from the Lega/Bwami peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Figures such as this were used as a didactic device during the ritual of the Bwami Society to educate young initiates. Their metaphoric form help instructors to pass the message as do the proverbs, legends, myths and slogans.
Made of 100% wood, vegetable fibers.
Model is W 60 - H 24 and weight 5.5 kg.
This rare and beautiful 19th–early-20th century Yombe Phemba (Maternity) Figure, originates from the Kongo peoples, Yombe group - Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is called Nkisi (means holy). The figures were used to ward off danger to mothers during delivery and to protect the health of the child.
Made of 100% Wood, kaolin.
Model is W 16 - H 75 and weight 5.2 kg.
This small, late 19th–early 20th century, Maginga statue made of wood originates from the Lega peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The figure portrays angular legs tapering to the torso with protruding navel framed by truncated arms, the sloping shoulders supporting the head with scooped, heart-shaped facial plane, notched mouth and coffee-bean eyes; covered in kaolin.
Made of 100% wood, kaolin, vegetable fibers.
Model is W 51 - H 16 and weight 1.9 kg.
This beautiful ‘Gomintogo’ or ‘Hare mask’ of the Dogon, from the Bandiagara Escarpment in eastern Malimask’, represents one of the approximately 80 mask types of the Dogon. The Dogon people have created more than eighty mask types to represent characters in their cosmic myths.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 50 – H 21 and weight 2 kg.
This old-carved mask of light-coloured wood, originates from the Dogon people of Mali. Satimbe masks are surmounted by a female figure which represents the elder sister of the mask. It's a ceremony mask used during the annual harvest festival (called Bulu), celebrated in all the villages before the rainy season.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 28 – H 19 and weight 3 kg.
This small anthropomorphic Iginga statue made of light wood originates from the Lega peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo. the figure portrays angular legs tapering to the torso with protruding navel framed by truncated arms, the sloping shoulders supporting the head with scooped, heart-shaped facial plane, notched mouth and coffee-bean eyes; covered in kaolin.
Made of 100% wood, kaolin, vegetable fibers.
Model is W 24 – H 46 and weight 2 kg.
This light mask (late 1800s) represents the spirit of an ancestor and was used for social control by Ngil, the judiciary association. The facial markings, abstract features and strong. Elegant lines are typical of Fang masks, which were among the most influential.
Made of 100% Native fiber, wood and paint.
Model is W 49 - H 18 and weight 1.5 kg.
Beautifully carved antique pair of fertility figurines originating from the Luba tribe from D.R. Congo. Most Luba art relates to kings and important chiefs, who defined their power by the display of prestige objects during important ceremonies.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 30 H 12 and weight 3.6 kg.
This rare Bembe-Teke kneeling figure. originates from western Congo, to the north of the mouth of the Congo river. This figure has characteristic sculptural components of both the two neighboring ethnic groups Babembe and Bateke. Teke is also known for their creative arts. Teke sculptures have a religious function but are above all used for their magical qualities. The Teke have two sorts of statues: the Nkida which do not have a magical charge, and the Butti which do. The style of the statues is cubist with angular forms and a helm shaped coiffure. Teke statues are rarely feminine.
Made of 100% wood.
Model is W 33 - H 9 and weight 08 kg.
This authentic piece is called “Mbuya” and originates from the Pende people of DR Congo. The Mbuya or village mask is characterized by a somber, gloomy expression such as this one, and represent human types, such as the chief, the diviner, the epileptic with a twisted mouth, the madman or man in a trance, the widow, the lover, or the executioner. The mask is made of wood, pigments, and raffia.
Made of 100% wood, red pigments.
Model is W 51 - H 17 and Weight 1.2 kg.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.