Kifwebe Mask c. 20th century

This "Kifwebe Mask" is a traditional African mask created by the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mask's elongated face with a prominent, slightly open mouth, features a stylized, geometric design carved into the wood. Its large, fibrous beard, and elaborate headdress crafted from feathers, add to its captivating presence. Kifwebe masks, often used in ceremonies and rituals, represent ancestral spirits and are believed to possess supernatural power, making them significant in Songye culture and art.