Ethnic group | Culture: Chokwe
Region | Country: Xassenge region, Angola, Africa
Period: 2nd half 20th century
Dimensions: 38 x 34 x 23 cm
Weight: 1800 g
Material: rope, beads, cowrie shells, iron, nail, wood, raffia
Provenance: Africa, France – private collection
Value: 350€

Pwo mask, a classic Chokwe mask that honors founding female ancestors. These masks are especially significant because the Chokwe trace descent through their mothers’ lines.

Ethnic group | Culture: Songye, Luba people
Region | Country: Congo DRC / Africa
Period: 19-20th century, 1850-1930’s
Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 16 cm
Weight: 400 g
Material: wood
Provenance: Africa, France – private collection
Value: 900€

Beautiful, little Songye Kifwebe mask
(Democratic Republic of Congo).

The Kiwebe mask designates a male secret society responsible for ensuring social control of the village. The male mask of the Kifwebe generally displays a high crest, the female (kikashi) a very low or even absent crest.

Beautiful patina of use, slightly crusty.

Dimensions: 25x16x18cm

Mask has some minor losses and accidents on the top of the mask.

Ethnic group | Culture: Songye, Luba people
Region | Country: Congo DRC / Africa
Period: 20th century, 1930’s
Dimensions: 47x 21 x 19 cm
Weight: 1550 g
Material: wood
Provenance: Africa, France – private collection
Value: 150€

Rare mask typical of Songwé art, made of light-colored soft wood, this mask is emblematic of this ethnic group.

Large stripes run across the cheeks and forehead. On the forehead, a miniature animal has been carved, which is very rare. The shape of the mouth is also a very recognizable element of Songwé masks.

The Songwé or Songyé are a Bantu people who live in the south-east of the DRC, mainly in the province of Kasaï Oriental and Occidental.