African Arts Gallery

The tribal masks of the Songye.
African mask of the Songye, established in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Featuring an impressive sagittal crest, this majestic kilume mask, whose narrow cheeks propel the features, embodies high authority in the brotherhood. Striated flat areas highlight the volumes. Matt patina, erosions and desiccation cracks.
Height on base: 81 cm.
Three variants of this Kifwebe mask (pl. Bifwebe) or "chasing out death" (Roberts) are distinguished: the masculine (kilume) generally with a high crest, the feminine (kikashi) with a very bass or absent, and finally the greatest embodying power (kia ndoshi). This type of mask, still used today, is worn with a long costume and a long beard made of natural fibers, absent on this example, during major ceremonies. The Songye came from the Shaba region in the DRC and settled along the Lualaba River in the middle of the savannah and forests. They are governed by the yakitengé and by local chiefs. The Bwami secret society, however, counteracts their power. Their masculine masks, with occult powers, were exhibited during punitive and disciplinary expeditions.