Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo: An extraordinary ‘kifwebe’ mask.
A particularly beautiful mask of the male ‘Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe’ secret society of the Songye, in southeastern Congo. These types of masks are used in full body costumes during initiations, funerals and for policing purposes. What is special about this ‘kifwebe’ mask of the female variety (without a high crest) is its extreme, three-dimensional sculptural design and its fine, detailed execution: with very large, slit eyes, deep, retracted cheeks and a wide, protruding, x-shaped mouth. Unusual is also the outer surface of this mask: while normally kifwebe masks feature only multicoloured stripes in relief, here wide stripes of double lines are additionally carved with fine hatchings in opposite directions, covering the entire surface. The remains of an earlier white-red colouring are visible. With very good, old usage patina on the outside and on the inside as well as with the remains of the original ‘beard’ made of plant fibres. In very good condition, no damage. End of the 19th century to the first third of the 20th century; h: 35 cm. (ME)
Expert: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Odhadní cena:
-
EUR 8.000,- do EUR 10.000,-
Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo: An extraordinary ‘kifwebe’ mask.
A particularly beautiful mask of the male ‘Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe’ secret society of the Songye, in southeastern Congo. These types of masks are used in full body costumes during initiations, funerals and for policing purposes. What is special about this ‘kifwebe’ mask of the female variety (without a high crest) is its extreme, three-dimensional sculptural design and its fine, detailed execution: with very large, slit eyes, deep, retracted cheeks and a wide, protruding, x-shaped mouth. Unusual is also the outer surface of this mask: while normally kifwebe masks feature only multicoloured stripes in relief, here wide stripes of double lines are additionally carved with fine hatchings in opposite directions, covering the entire surface. The remains of an earlier white-red colouring are visible. With very good, old usage patina on the outside and on the inside as well as with the remains of the original ‘beard’ made of plant fibres. In very good condition, no damage. End of the 19th century to the first third of the 20th century; h: 35 cm. (ME)
Expert: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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Horká linka kupujících
Po-Pá: 10.00 - 17.00
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Aukce: | Mimoevropské a domorodé umění |
| Typ aukce: | Salónní aukce |
| Datum: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Místo konání aukce: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Prohlídka: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |