Songye (Basonge, Bassongo, Bayembe, Songe, Wasonga)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Kifwebe masks embodied supernatural forces and formerly functioned as agents of the ruling elite. They were worn at ceremonies honoring a dead chief, at the installation of a new chief, at the welcoming of important visitors to the village, to ward off disaster and other threats. It also had the capacity to heal. They are also worn by men who act as police at the behest of a ruler, or to intimidate the enemy.
This superb museum quality, old Songye dance mask measures an impressive 17 inches Tall by about 8 inches Wide. It is carved from hard-wood and shows deep, rich patina, & exceptional signs of age and tribal use.
