SONGYE KIFWEBE MASK

拍品描述

Ca. 19th -20th century AD. > A carved wooden Kifwebe mask of characteristic Songye form, distinguished by its strong geometric structure and prominent central ridge running from the forehead to the tip of the nose. The face is composed of angular planes, with projecting cylindrical eye elements, a long triangular nose, and a square mouth block carved with a cross-shaped incision. The surface is covered with incised linear striations arranged diagonally across the face, creating a dynamic pattern that enhances the sculptural form. Traces of pigment remain within the carved grooves, emphasising the rhythmic texture of the mask. Masks of this type were used by the Bwadi bwa Kifwebe society among the Songye, appearing in ceremonial performances associated with social regulation, initiation, and the maintenance of communal order. The distinctive form and carved surface patterns are central features of the visual language associated with Songye Kifwebe masquerades. > > Size: 510mm x 270mm; Weight: 4.32kg > Provenance: Private London Collection; ex Ben Hunter / Tribalhunter, London, United Kingdom; ex Peter H. Loebarth (1941-2015), Hameln, Germany; ex Collection of Mr. Bahenberg 1960's. Exhibited: London, "TAL, Tribal Art London", Ben Hunter, 15 - 18 September 2022. > Published: AHDRC archive, item no 0221392. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. >

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