3D AFRICAN MASKS

0x4…b5e

ERC1155

Kifwebe Mask The People The Songye people are a Bantu ethnic group from the central part of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The people of Songye are divided into thirty-four conglomerate societies. Each group is led by a single chief with Judiciary Council of elders and nobles called bilolo. The origin of the Songye begins with their founding ancestors Chimbale and Kongolo who established the Kingdom of Luba but suffering political dissension left Luba land to form the Songye. The people of Songye make Kifwebe Masks. Their Mask This mask was modelled after one of the rarest and expensive Songye masks. Most Songye masks are not circular like their brothers and sisters who are the Luba people. Kifwebe of Bwadi bra is a secret society of masked men. In the community, these men were known for their use of supernatural powers called buki and masende. In order to become a member of the Bwadi bra Kifwebe, all applicants must go through an initiation process. During this process, they must learn and identify a secret esoteric language. They must undergo a radical and violent experience in order to become less fearful of the unknown and learn their roles within the subject to Bwadi bra Kifwebe. Symbolism Today The Kifwebe maintain balance within the community by conducting masquerades, rituals and rites such as initiation rituals, circumcisions and funerals. Some of the responsibilities of the Bwadi bra or Kifwebe are regulating and maintaining political order and balance between the chief and his communities. Today the Kifwebe Mask is a symbol of maintaining order in the society you find yourself in, the circular rings depicts consuming all negatives in the community and maintaining order as a leader.