"Kifwebe balume" mask Songye, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Carved wood and raffia. On wooden base.
65 x 29 x 28 cm (wooden structure, without base or rear elements).
Of the most daring forms that African art has engendered, this impressive mask is the instrument used by nobles and headquarters of the secret society "bukishi" to maintain order and social control, executing, if necessary, judicial sentences.
The power and strength emanating from this mask are associated with the sun. The sagittal crest indicates "masculinity" and its striations alternate light and dark areas that symbolize night and day, life and death. The fiber suit that covers the wearer, erasing their shapes, ends in mittens with only three fingers that have the mission of increasing the supernatural aspect of the outfit. The braided cap carries inside the "medicine" necessary to fulfill its function and the plume of feathers is a solar symbol traditionally worn by the doctor and civil or military leaders. His presence in the mask indicates that he has authority and even the right to decide on life and death.
This lot requires export license
DECORATIVE ARTS
Starting price
3.750 €
HAMMER PRICE
3.750 €
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Durán Sala de Arte 2024
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