African Art Songye Kifwebe Mask

African Art Songye Kifwebe Mask.

This variants of Kifwebe Mask or ‘chasing death’ stand out: the masculine (kilume) usually with a high crest, the feminine(kikashi) with a very low crest and finally the greatest embodying power(Kia ndoshi).

This type of mask, still used today, appears to come from the border area between the northern Luba and Southeastern Songye. They are worn with a long suit and a long beard made of natural fibers, absent on this copy, during the most important ceremonies.

Measurements are: 17 inches by 7 inches.