Ritual Messengers

The Peoples of Central Africa


| The Songye | Songye Masks |

Kifwebe mask. Luba or Songye. Shaba, Zaïre. Wood, fibre, pigments, feathers.
© Africa-Museum, Tervuren

  Songye Masks

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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