The initiation masks of the Songye . African mask from the Songye ethnic group, in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Provided with a high sagittal crest, this mask would be masculine. The powerfully projecting strokes, streaked with wide broken lines, give it a spectacular appearance. Matt patina, erosions and desication cracks. Three variants of this Kifwebe mask( pl. Bifwebe) or "chasing death" (Roberts) stand out: the masculine (kilume) generally with a high crest, the feminine (kikashi) with a very bass or even 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, during masked rituals. The Songye came from the Shaba region in the DRC and settled along the Lualaba River in the middle of savannah and forests. They are governed by the yakitenge and by local chiefs. The Bwami secret society, however, counterbalances their power. Their male masks belonging to the Bwadi bwa kifwebe brotherhood, with occult powers, intervened during punitive and disciplinary expeditions.
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