African Mask - Songye Kifwebe Female Mask - Songye Tribe - Congo

Description

Offered for sale is a female kifwebe face mask by the Songye tribe from the Congo. The wooden portion of this mask measures 15" x 7.5" x 7.5". I am in the process of reducing my collection of African Art and will be selling additional pieces in the coming weeks. No international shipping. Continental US only.
In the Songye language, a mask is a kifwebe. This mask belongs to an important society that bears the same name and to this day commands strong respect among the Songye. The society includes individuals with supernatural powers (basha masende) who are believed to manipulate spirits by means of magical techniques.
These masks have the capacity to heal by use of supernatural force.
Male and female masks are danced together, with each dancer encouraging the desired qualities of the sexes. The male dancers, adorned with their high-crested kifwebe and bodies hidden by straw, display aggressive, uncontrolled behavior. The dancers wearing female masks perform more gently and even seductively, in a display linked to fertility.
Kifwebe
masks vary greatly but in general are characterized by concise linear patterns.
The facial components include a wide and pronounce nose, oversized eyes and a protruding box-like mouth. Mask, colors, and costume all have symbolic meaning.
The use of white on the mask symbolizes positive concepts such as purity and peace, the moon and light.