Songye Male Kifwebe Mask Art Tribal Wood (3809 - T)

Description

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GHANA - AFRICA
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SONGYE KIFWEBE MASK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Sold without the mask stand You can purchase a mask stand separately
Description
The Kifwebe mask is generally associated with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has been used to police society and establish and enforce norms. Kifwebe masks with lighter faces are generally understood to serve as female representations – though they would be worn by a male. The mask to the left is from the Sonya People, it’s provenance is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was made in the 19th – 20th century and is made of wood and pigment. This Kifwebe mask is in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The detailing and craftsmanship of the Kifwebe mask are what draw me. The face is so evocative, the features stylized and the pattern of carving so beautiful. Indeed, in its particular cultural context, the kifwebe mask isn’t intended to be seen as “beautiful.” Its function is to serve as a reminder of social norms and ideals. When considering African objects or art, one must consider function first – what purpose was this object used for?; what meaning is it intended to convey?; how is it used, and in what context? – and beauty comes after context and meaning. In other words, African objects that in the West, we call art (and indeed are beautiful, artistic, and considered overwhelmingly as art) were in many cases with older African objects, first created to serve a function. The fact that the object is also extraordinarily beautiful, created with exquisite form and wonderful lines, is part of the effortless integration of beauty and art into daily life, that I see in African art. I love the Kifwebe mask on the left. The one below and to the right is also wonderful. I’m struck by the alternating color, the elegantly shaped and prominent stylized eyes, and the harmony of the work. The sense of geometry, form, and placement is superb. This mask from the Songye people of Zaire is made of wood, pigment, cord, beading, and polychrome. Here is an up-close detail of an eye of the Kifwebe mask – in this view you can see the preciseness of the carving, and the use of pigment.
Height : 35 cm
Width : 20 cm
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New listing Songye Kifwebe Mask Congo African Art (3823 - E)
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GHANA - AFRICA