African mask Kifwebe, Luba Songye R. D. Congo

Authentic African mask kifwebe luba songye de la r. D. Congo. Size: 38 cm. Provenance: private collection, Belgium. Dating: 1940 - 1960 "repatriated after the Second World War" Material: wood. Provided with certificate of provenance written by an independent expert. Among the songye as well as among the Luba, the male society bwadi bwa kifwebe was responsible for the maintenance of social order. The so-called kifwebe masks were used to reinforce the powers of witchcraft (buchi) and magic (masende) of the chiefs. These masks were supposed to assure members of the society bwasi bwa kifwebe health and supernatural powers. There are also reports of the masks being released during the funeral ceremonies of the chiefs and the initiation rites of the young boys.this African mask has beautiful regular streaks as well as a symmetrical facies. Very nice balance of volumes in this piece that might have inspired great names of contemporary Western art.

Ref. : 5Q728DYD