Unknown
Male Spirit Mask (Kilume Kalebwe Kifwebe)20th century

On view:

Geffen Galleries, The Power of Objects in West and Central Africa

No image

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Male Spirit Mask (Kilume Kalebwe Kifwebe)
Culture: Central Songye Kalebwe Group
Place Made: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kalebwe
Date Made: 20th century
Medium: Wood and natural pigments
Dimensions: Height: 20 1/2 in. (52 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Woods Davy and Kathleen Dantini
Accession Number: M.2025.72.2
Classification: Jewelry and Adornments
Collecting Area: African Art
Curatorial Notes: The kifwebe is a distinctive mask form that combines an active linear system of groove patterns and the powerful expression of various emotions. With its unyielding gaze and commanding presence, the kifwebe conveys an “otherworldly beingness,” blending human, animal, and supernatural elements. Used by secret societies to enforce social order, the mask symbolizes the spirits of the dead and the battle between good and evil. This male mask with bold, telescoping eyes was produced in the Kalebwe region occupied by the Central Songye. Its strong contours are defined by the ungrooved protruding eyelids that shield the recessed eye cavities. The head and cheeks are covered with grooved parallel striations that reinforce the mask’s intense visage. The hourglass-shaped mouth and square lips are regional characteristics.

On view:

Geffen Galleries, The Power of Objects in West and Central Africa

No image

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Male Spirit Mask (Kilume Kalebwe Kifwebe)
Culture: Central Songye Kalebwe Group
Place Made: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kalebwe
Date Made: 20th century
Medium: Wood and natural pigments
Dimensions: Height: 20 1/2 in. (52 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Woods Davy and Kathleen Dantini
Accession Number: M.2025.72.2
Classification: Jewelry and Adornments
Collecting Area: African Art
Curatorial Notes: The kifwebe is a distinctive mask form that combines an active linear system of groove patterns and the powerful expression of various emotions. With its unyielding gaze and commanding presence, the kifwebe conveys an “otherworldly beingness,” blending human, animal, and supernatural elements. Used by secret societies to enforce social order, the mask symbolizes the spirits of the dead and the battle between good and evil. This male mask with bold, telescoping eyes was produced in the Kalebwe region occupied by the Central Songye. Its strong contours are defined by the ungrooved protruding eyelids that shield the recessed eye cavities. The head and cheeks are covered with grooved parallel striations that reinforce the mask’s intense visage. The hourglass-shaped mouth and square lips are regional characteristics.