Songye Male Kifwebe Mask Art Tribal Wood (3825 - E)

Description

Welcome
Store
Seller Profile
Reviews
24/7
Contact us with any questions
GHANA - AFRICA
155 $+Free Shipping DHL Express
180 $
Songye Male Kifwebe Mask Art Tribal Wood
Sold without the mask stand You can purchase a mask stand separately
Description
he Kifwebe mask is generally associated with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has been used to police society and establish and enforce norms. Kifwebe masks with lighter faces are generally understood to serve as female representations – though they would be worn by a male. The mask to the left, is from the Songya People, it’s provenance is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was made in the 19th – 20th century, and is made of wood and pigment. This Kifwebe mask is in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The detailing and craftsmynship of the Kifwebe mask is what draws me. The face is so evocative, the features stylized and the pattern of carving so beautiful. Indeed, in it’s particular cultural context, the kifwebe mask isn’t intended to be seen as “beautiful.” It’s function is to serve as a reminder of social norms and ideals. When considering African objects or art, one must consider function first – what purpose was this object used for?; what meaning is it intended to convey?; how is it used and in what context? – and beauty comes after context and meaning. In other words, African objects that in the West, we call art (and indeed are beautiful, artistic, and considered overwhelmingly as art) were in many cases with older African objects, first created to serve a function. The fact that the object is also extraoridinarily beautiful, created with exquisite form and wonderful lines, is part of the effortless integration of beauty and art into daily life, that I see in African art. I love the Kifwebe mask at left. The one below and to the right is also wonderful. I’m struck by the alternating color, the elegantly shaped and prominent stylized eyes, and the harmony of the work. The sense of geometry, form, and placement is superb. This mask from the Songye people of Zaire is made of wood, pigment, cord, beading and polychrome. Here is an up-close detail of an eye of the Kifwebe mask – in this view you can see the preciseness of the carving, and the use of pigment.
Height : 38 cm
Width : 21 cm
Work around the clock for you
Our workers regularly move from tribe to tribe and to the oldest settlements in Africa in order to obtain for us the best and most authentic items.
Satisfaction guaranteed
At afrians bast we stand behind all of our merchandise. Full money back guarantee will be provided for dissatisfied customers. Your satisfaction is our main goal, and we thank you for shopping at afrians bast .
DHL EXPREES
Well packed, fast delivery
Featured Items
Shop Now
.00
African Masks - Guro Mask (2250 - D)
Shop Now
.00
African Goli Horned Mask Akan Tribe Ivory Coast African Mask (2758 - D)
Shop Now
1.00
Antique African Tribal Mask Ivory Coast Guro Tribe Handcarved (3696 - E)
Shop Now
5.00
African Mask Guro Ivory Coast Yellow Painted Mask Female Bird Ceremon (3661 - N)
24/7
Contact us with any questions
GHANA - AFRICA