Songye Kifwebe Mask | Pollitt Collection |
Tribe:
Songye
Origin: D.R.Congo
Materials: Wood, Pigment
Size: 45cm high x 22cm wide
Age: Mid - Later20th Century
Est: £200,000 to 350,000
Part of the POLLITT COLLECTION of African Art
Origin: D.R.Congo
Materials: Wood, Pigment
Size: 45cm high x 22cm wide
Age: Mid - Later20th Century
Est: £200,000 to 350,000
Part of the POLLITT COLLECTION of African Art
A male Kifwebe mask can be identified by its
large comb or crest. The size and height of the crest, in comparison to other
masks danced in the same performance, indicates seniority or higher rank and
the relative spiritual power of the dancer.
During the 16th century, the Songye migrated
from the Shaba area, which is now the southern part of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo. Their 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. Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye
ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th
century. The linguistic traditions of these neighbouring peoples are
intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged
from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the Luba
homeland. Highly stylized masks called the Kifwebe are famous Songye tribal
art. These masks have grooved pattern on the face and is a common
characteristic. The white paint in the grooves symbolizes peace, light and the
purity of the soul. Some mask adorned with brown, tan and blue symbolizes
nature as positive force. The facial elements are associated with animals. Some
mask appears to have the Black white stripes of a zebra. The nose in most
instances seems to appear triangular and the mouth is always protruding and
geometrically shaped – rectangular, square, half circle. The Songye tribe uses
this type of masks during ceremonies, and at the funeral processions of
important leaders. According to the Songye tribe, when certain individuals of
the Kifwebe society wear the mask along with the costume and raffia beard they
are believed to gain magical powers that can manipulate evil spirits. Despite
its age and patina I believe this mask to be made for the collectors market.
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