Masks of the Bwandi Bwa Kifwebe Society aid its leaders in the exercise of economic and political power by evoking the help of supernatural forces.
Songye masks are distinguished by rows of grooves on the mask face, representing the subterranean region from which the primordial couple emerged. The masks depict either a male or female spirit.
Female masks are predominantly white or have retained the color of the wood; male masks usually incorporate the color red. Male masks have an upstanding comb which extends over the head into the nose. In contrast, female masks have only a small crest, & stripes which are closer together.
This striking mask still has most of its costume attached.
Ex. Jacques Hautelet collection.
Dimensions: Mask height: 14"
Mask height with costume: 34 ½"
Height of mask on stand: 41 ¼"
Mask width: 7 ¼"
Mask depth: 7 ¾"
Base of stand 6" x 6"
