ClassificationsAfrican Art

Kifwebe Society Mask

Place CreatedDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

CultureSongye

Date20th Century

MediumWood, pigment

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Dimensions26 x 10 x 8 1/4 in. (66 x 25.4 x 21 cm)

Object number2003.073.001

Label TextIn combining the attributes of several animals, this mask embodies the supernatural, dangerous qualities of the Kifwebe society. This society uses magic and fear to reinforce the political will of rulers. Striations on the mask's face resemble the stripes of zebras, which the Songye consider dangerous because they are foreign to the region. Other animals capable of inflicting fatal wounds are also represented to command fear in spectators. The chin denotes the jaw of a crocodile, while hairs signifying porcupine needles originally protruded form the mask's nose. A raffia beard symbolizing a lion's mane would also have been attached to the mask's rim.

Kifwebe literally means "chases death away". Masks are danced in pairs at the death of a chief or when someone assumes an important political title, thus marking occasions of social transition and transformation. Kifwebe masks originated with the neighboring Songye in southeastern Congo, and Luba Kifwebe masks are strongly influenced by them. Associations of Luba and Hemba dancers are credited with the spread of this popular mask type. The dancer's costume is made of fibrous material and animal skins.

Exhibition HistoryThe Art of Black Africa: Collection of Jay C. Leff, Carnegi Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1969 - January 18, 1970
MCCM Permanent Collection Installation, November 19, 2007 - December 1, 2014
Published ReferencesThe Art of Black Africa: Collection of Jay C. Leff (Pittsburgh: Carnegie Institute, 1969), number 292.
Sotheby's New York, African and Oceanic Art (November 14, 2003), lot 94.

ProvenanceEx coll. Jay C. Leff (1924-2000), Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Ex private collection, New York. With Sotheby's New York, November 14, 2003, lot 94 (unsold). Purchased by MCCM from Sotheby's New York, November 21, 2003 (after sale purchase).

Status

Not on view

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