Songye Mask - 41.1

A hand-carved Songye kifwebe mask from the DR Congo

Carved in the tradition of the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the striated kifwebe mask was danced by members of the bwadi bwa kifwebe society as a figure of authority and social order. Its surface is cut with fine parallel grooves — often likened to a zebra's stripes — that give the kifwebe its name, the linear pattern picked out in contrasting tones.

A graphic, sculptural piece — striking hung on a wall or leaned against a shelf or mantel. Hand-carved from wood, with the small variations in tone and finish of a genuine handmade piece.

Size: H 36cm x W 18cm