Exceptional mask - Wood, Pigment - LUBA / SONGYE - Democratic Republic of Congo

Exceptional Songye Kifwebe mask Provenance: - Private collection, London, UK Literature: 'Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa' by Marc Leo Felix, 2018 'Songye Masks and Figure Sculpture' by Dunja Hersak, 1986 'Kifwebe: A Century of Songye and Luba Masks' by Francois Neyt, 2019 The Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe male society is responsible for maintaining control, order and rule among the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Community leaders makes use of witchcraft (buchi) and magic (masende) to enforce desired behaviour; to harness the powers of buchi and masende, kifwebe (literally meaning 'mask') masks are danced. It is believed that the power of the masks provide Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe members with wealth and supernatural abilities. Sources also point to their use during the installation and funeral of chiefs, the initiation rites of young boys and also in secret society meetings. The sculpture will be shipped via express courier with track and trace, fully insured. 1-3 days delivery within Europe. 2-5 days delivery to USA.