Antique SONGYE Shield Mask From Congo 15x10 in ashanti The identity of the wearer

The identity of the wearer is not secret

whose ancestors invaded the region in 15th century and subjected the various autochthonous groups living there

this figure has a hole on the top which was used for smoking by king or notables

Mahogany Global Unity Statue

they do not represent spirits of the wilderness

Antique SONGYE Shield Mask From Congo 15x10 in ashanti The identity of the wearerTRIBAL AFRICAN ART SONGYE (BASONGE, BASONGYE, BASSONGO, BAYEMBE, SONGE, SONGHAY, WASONGA) Democratic Republic of the Congo n the Songye language, a mask is a kifwebe: this term has been given to masks representing spirits and characterized by striations. Depending on the region, it may be dark with white strips, or the reverse. The kifwebe masks embodied supernatural forces. The kifwebe society used them to ward off disaster or any threat. The masks,