African Arts Gallery

Private collection of a Belgian gallery owner whose identity will be communicated to the buyer.

African art among the Songye is distinguished in particular by the Kifwebe masks, also known by the plural Bifwebe, which were produced at the same time by the Luba and the Songye. The term Kifwebe designates both the mask itself, the society of masks and the mask wearer belonging to the male secret society bwadi bwa kifwebe, responsible for social control. These masks come in three variants: the masculine (kilume), generally decorated with a high crest, the feminine (kikashi) with a very low or even absent crest, and finally the largest symbolizing power (kia ndoshi).
Equipped with holes on their outline, these African masks allow you to attach a costume during the most important ceremonies, including in particular a voluminous beard made of natural fibers. The white streaks that adorn these masks symbolize the plumage and the link with the world of death.
In the 16th century, the Songyes migrated from the Shaba region to settle in the Katanga region and Kasai, on the left bank of the Lualaba. Their society is organized in a patriarchal manner and their history is closely linked to that of the Luba, with whom they share common ancestors.
Divination plays an important role in their society, making it possible to detect sorcerers and understand the causes of misfortunes that strike individuals. The masked performances of male masks are often associated with punitive expeditions and the maintenance of social order, while female masks, renowned for their divinatory abilities, activate benevolent spirits through their dances.