Songye Mask "Kifwebe" - Democratic Republic of Congo

Beautiful songye mask type kifwebe, from the former zaire. Bifwebe masks (kifwebe in the singular) are among the ceremonial objects of the society of the same name (bwadi ka kifwebe) which still plays a prestigious role among the eastern songyés. The members of this society are the basha masende, holders of the necessary knowledge to interact with the gods. Bifwebe masks are worn with a long suit and a long beard made of vegetable fiber, during the most important ceremonies. The female mask which, unlike that of the man, the kilume (plural bilum), is devoid of crest at the top of the head and includes thin incisions painted white on the face. Masks, colors and costumes have symbolic meaning. Each part of the face of the mask is associated with a specific animal such as the lion, zebra, crocodile or porcupine, whose mask mimics the behavior. In addition, colors express various character traits or dispositions of the mind. For example, white symbolizes positive aspects such as purity, peace, moon and light; the color red is associated with blood, fire, courage and strength, but also destruction and negative magic. The streaks are a two-way writing: path or path of the dead waiting for rebirth while the nose or vertical axis of it is the tree of life. The mouth would be the beak of the bird or the fire of the sorcerer. The mask has an imprecative function. According to the songyés, the one with fleshy lips is supposed to speak loudly. Basically, female masks reflect positive forces: they are worn during nocturnal dances, during the most important lunar ceremonies or on the occasion of an investiture or death of a leader. The male masks, more colorful, dance during the day. Based on "african art" by mazenod and bruno mignot.

Ref. : XYYXEP11