Basongue mask -Kifewe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, c.

The most famous masks created by the Songye are used by the Kifwebe secret society. Kifwebe means 'mask' in the Songye language. It can be male, if carved with a central crest, or female if it displays a rather simple hairstyle. The Kifwebe society used their masks to ward off disaster or any threat. The mask also had the ability to heal through supernatural force. The masks, complemented by a woven costume and a long raffia beard, dance in various ceremonies. Height: 62 cm Reproduced: Catalogue “Africa Babel: the Art of a Continent”, p.- 154
 
Exhibitions:
2022-2024 Island of Fuerteventura “Art Africa: Ancestral Light”. Lighthouse of the Entallada. Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
2021-2022 Panama City. Government of Panama. “Art Africa: the spirit of the ancestors”. Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Casco Viejo.
2019-2020 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent”. Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo.
2013-2015 Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (Madao). La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia.
2005 “Black Africa”, Leather Museum.
2004 “Black Africa”. Caixa Laietana Foundation, Barcelona. Main exhibition hall