EXTRAORDINARY Songye Kifwebe African Mask - Male With HUGE Crest Ancient Aliens
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:37161 | Tribe: Songye |
| Original/Reproduction: Original | Material: Wood |
| Color: Black |
********************REDUCED FROM $975.00 FOR QUICK SALE. I JUST BOUGHT A BUNCH OF ART AND NEED TO MOVE INVENTORY. THIS PRICE WILL NOT LAST. PLEASE FEEL FREE T O MAKE ME A REASONABLE OFFER.********************
I bought this mask because it is the most aesthetic mask I have ever seen, period. The tripartite geometric lines incised into the surface contrasting with the perfect, huge crest is high art in my opinion. The crest on this mask is incredible and ...really the reason I bought it (and I think it looks like a sick alien in profile). It goes about 17" by 17" by 8", that is not including the raffia. With the raffia, call it 24" by 17" by 8". I've seen a number of these on the internet and only one has a crest close to this stature - really a one of a kind. There are a broad range of prices on these masks so please feel free to make me an offer. Fixed shipping is to the lower 48 states only. Everyone else must use the Ebay Global Shipping program. Thanks for looking.
********************As per the internet********************In the Songyelanguage, a mask is a 'kifwebe': this term has been given to masks representingspirits and characterized by striations. Depending on the region, it may bedark with white strips, or the reverse. The kifwebe masks embodied supernaturalforces. The kifwebe society used them to ward off disaster or any threat. Themasks, supplemented by a woven costume and a long beard of raffia bast, danceat various ceremonies. They are worn by men who act as police at the behest ofa ruler, or to intimidate the enemy. It can be eithermasculine, if carved with a central crest, or feminine if displaying a plaincoiffure. The size of thecrest determines the magic power of the mask. Mask, colors, and costumeall have symbolic meaning. The dancer who wears the male mask will displayaggressive and uncontrolled behavior with the aim of encouraging socialconformity, whereas the dancer who wears the female mask display more gentleand controlled movements and is assumed to be associated with reproductionceremonies. The use of white onthe mask symbolizes positive concepts such as purity and peace, the moon andlight. Red is associated with blood and fire, courage and fortitude, but alsowith danger and evil. Female masks essentially reflect positive forces andappear principally in dances held at night, such as during lunar ceremonies andat the investiture or death of a ruler. The mask had also the capacity to healby means of the supernatural force it was supposed to incorporate.
I bought this mask because it is the most aesthetic mask I have ever seen, period. The tripartite geometric lines incised into the surface contrasting with the perfect, huge crest is high art in my opinion. The crest on this mask is incredible and ...really the reason I bought it (and I think it looks like a sick alien in profile). It goes about 17" by 17" by 8", that is not including the raffia. With the raffia, call it 24" by 17" by 8". I've seen a number of these on the internet and only one has a crest close to this stature - really a one of a kind. There are a broad range of prices on these masks so please feel free to make me an offer. Fixed shipping is to the lower 48 states only. Everyone else must use the Ebay Global Shipping program. Thanks for looking.
********************As per the internet********************In the Songyelanguage, a mask is a 'kifwebe': this term has been given to masks representingspirits and characterized by striations. Depending on the region, it may bedark with white strips, or the reverse. The kifwebe masks embodied supernaturalforces. The kifwebe society used them to ward off disaster or any threat. Themasks, supplemented by a woven costume and a long beard of raffia bast, danceat various ceremonies. They are worn by men who act as police at the behest ofa ruler, or to intimidate the enemy. It can be eithermasculine, if carved with a central crest, or feminine if displaying a plaincoiffure. The size of thecrest determines the magic power of the mask. Mask, colors, and costumeall have symbolic meaning. The dancer who wears the male mask will displayaggressive and uncontrolled behavior with the aim of encouraging socialconformity, whereas the dancer who wears the female mask display more gentleand controlled movements and is assumed to be associated with reproductionceremonies. The use of white onthe mask symbolizes positive concepts such as purity and peace, the moon andlight. Red is associated with blood and fire, courage and fortitude, but alsowith danger and evil. Female masks essentially reflect positive forces andappear principally in dances held at night, such as during lunar ceremonies andat the investiture or death of a ruler. The mask had also the capacity to healby means of the supernatural force it was supposed to incorporate.
