Mask (1) - Wood - Masque Kifwebe - Songye - Congo DRC

Ex. private collection - Paris - France, Circa 1920-1930, Size: 70x23x30 cm, Weight: 2. 5 kg The Kifwebe mask is among the ceremonial object of the society of the same name (bwadi ka kifwebe) which plays still today a prestigious role among the Songyés of the East. The members of this society are the basha masende, holders of the necessary knowledge to interact with the gods. Kifwebe mask is worn with a long suit and a long plant fiber beard, during the most important ceremonies. The streaks are a two-way writing: path or path of the dead waiting for rebirth while the nose or the vertical axis of it is the tree of life The mouth would be the beak of the bird or the fire of the wizard