Masks of the Bwandi Bwa Kifwebe
Society aid its leaders in the
exercise of economic & 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.
11"H x 6"W x 5.5"D
Masks of the Bwandi Bwa Kifwebe
Society aid its leaders in the
exercise of economic & political
power by evoking the help of
supernatural forces. Songye
masks are distinguished by rows
of grooves on th emask 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. Ex James Schmidt Collection
11"H x 6"W x 5.5"D
