The Songye people, also known as Songe, is an ethnic group primarily inhabiting the central Democratic Republic of the Congo. Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. There are numerous mask styles associated with the Songye. Power objects and objects associated with divination are also prevalent in Western collections. In the past many Songye objects have been misattributed to the Luba and vice versa.
The face of a typical Songye Kifwebe mask is covered with linear incisions, a square protruding mouth and a linear nose set between globular pierced eyes. They are used by the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society to maintain social order, connect with spirits, and for ceremonies.
The Songye people, also known as Songe, is an ethnic group primarily inhabiting the central Democratic Republic of the Congo. Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. There are numerous mask styles associated with the Songye. Power objects and objects associated with divination are also prevalent in Western collections. In the past many Songye objects have been misattributed to the Luba and vice versa.
The face of a typical Songye Kifwebe mask is covered with linear incisions, a square protruding mouth and a linear nose set between globular pierced eyes. They are used by the Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe secret society to maintain social order, connect with spirits, and for ceremonies.
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45 H x 20 W x 15 D x cm |
