Kifwebe mask. Luba or Songye. Shaba, Zaïre.
Wood, fibre, pigments, feathers.
© Africa-Museum, Tervuren
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Among the Songye, the bwadi bwa
kifwebe society guides the ruling elite, helping them to maintain economic
and political power. Songye leaders will not hesitate to call on
supernatural powers witchcraft or sorcery in order to
safeguard their positions.
Bifwebe (singular: kifwebe) masks are among the society's most powerful
tools. They are decorated with mythological motifs; patterns made from
geometric grooves, reminiscent of markings on the skin of various animals
(e.g., zebra or forest antelope), are common. Bifwebe masks are believed to
be beyond the realm of the universe.
Male masks are distinguishable from the female bifwebe by a long upright
crest. In this type of mask the size of the crest reflects a hierarchy: a
larger crest symbolizing greater magic potential and mystical power within
the mask.
During dances (for example as part of circumcision rituals), male masks are
seen to act on a whim: they are unpredictable and all-powerful. In contrast,
female masks, in direct relation to the physical world and procreation, move
more calmly; their task is to invoke benevolent spirits that will influence
the future generation. Female masks are associated with the moon and are
worn for moon rituals as well as during funerals and initiation rites.
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