Bidspirit auction | Male Kifwebe Mask, Songe, Zaire

Male Kifwebe Mask, Songe, Zaire - African Tribal Art: Songe People, Zaire: Male Kifwebe Mask, 19th/20th Century. Carved wood and pigments. The mask comes with a custom-made steel and wood display stand. Kifwebe masks represent spirits and are characterized by striations. The masks embodied supernatural forces. The Kifwebe society used them to ward off disaster or any threat. Supplemented by a woven costume and a long raffia beard, they dance at various ceremonies. The masks and costumes are worn by men who act as police at the behest of a ruler, or to intimidate enemies. DIMENSIONS: 25”H x 9”W x 17”D, 41.25” on stand. PROVENANCE: Private collection. CONDITION: Fair condition. Native repair to stress/desiccation crack on the crest, pigment losses, abrasions and other signs of handling. The surface is heavily worn. ***VIDEO: To see a 3D video of this item, copy and paste the link below into your search browser: https://youtu.be/rodmV_wxwG4 NOTE: This lot may be subject to a confidential reserve sale price.