Apr 9, 2025
Songye Mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga.
Presumed period: late 19th century – early 20th century.
This mask is a female “kikashi” mask, as indicated by the two-tone white and black, the absence of a sagittal crest and the flat nose.
Amongst Songye masks, a general distinction was made in reference to the function of male and female masks.
Male masks (bifwebe balume) were used in rites of passage. On the other hand, female masks (bifwebe bakashi), which appeared on the occasion of the death or investiture of a chief and during lunar rites, were an integral part of the symbolic composition of these rituals, animating benevolent spiritual forces through dance.
Wood, pigments, H 31.8 cm
Courtesy: Claes Gallery