African Tribal Songye Kifwebe Association Figure, Congo/Zaire

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Timed

November Collection: African Tribal Art

By 500 Gallery

Oct 28, 2022 - Nov 10, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-10-28 14:00:00 2022-11-10 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : November Collection: African Tribal Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/500-gallery/november-collection-african-tribal-art-11095
African tribal sculptures and masks from the late 1800's through the mid 20th century. Rare masterpiece examples of Bangwa, Dogon, Baule, Ibibio, Yoruba, Bakongo and Senufo art gathered over the past decades. The selection is from the private collection of Massachusetts Gentlemen. 500 Gallery info@500gallery.com

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• Lot Description
  African Tribal Art: Songye People, Congo/Zaire: Kifwebe Association Figure, wood, leather/fur, raffia fiber, pigment. 20th century. The figure is fitted with a custom wooden stand.
  
  About Kifwebe Association Figures: "All Songye masks are worn by initiated men who are members of the Kifwebe association. The mask is just a part of the overall costume that is worn in performance. The overall costume consists of blackened fiber strips attached to a row of holes on the bottom of the mask, a conical fiber woven projection coming out from the back of the head that usually has feathers at the end and a fiber netting that is attached to the back of the mask that drapes over the wearer's head and shoulders. The masquerader also wears a fiber-netting shirt and pants with an animal pelt worn around the waist. Inside the mask or netting a medicine pouch is attached to give power to the mask and the dancer carries a forked tree branch, a stick or staff or sometimes a long knife or spear.
  
  During the first period of initiation, young Kifwebe association initiates are taught some of the esoteric information about all of the components of the mask, as well as the meaning of the accompanying dance steps, music and songs.
  
  They are taught through tales, proverbs, song, myths and the use of small didactic figures depicting the mask-wearer in full costume." - Beauty and the Beasts: Kifwebe and Animal Masks of the Songye, Luba and Related Peoples by Marc Leo Felix
  
  Additional information and examples of these figures can also be found in the Spring 2008 issue of Tribal Art Magazine, pages 102-112.
  
  Dimensions: 26.5H ; 28.5H on stand (inches)
  
  Provenance: Private collection.
  
  NOTE: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.
  
  Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York
  
  Dimensions: 26.5H ; 28.5H on stand (inches)

  Condition

  Good condition
  Note: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.
  
  NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.
  
  Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to bidding. Color fidelity of photos presented is not guaranteed. Lack of a condition statement does not imply that a lot is perfect. Please examine photos, read descriptions, and contact the Gallery with any questions prior to bidding. All sales are final. Winning bidders will be sent invoices from our gallery. Credit cards are accepted for invoices under $1000. Higher amounts must be paid by e-check or wire transfer.
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