Facial Female Mask Kifwebé

These striated masks dominated by the red colors of strength and blood, white of purity and the dead and black of shadows and night, belonged to the powerful secret society Bwadi Bwa Kifwebé was responsible for establishing the necessary rules to control the social order. Its members were respected and feared. They are anthropomorphic masks but with a marked abstract character. They are used in practically all kinds of rituals of the Songyé, enthronements, initiation, funeral rites and in large celebrations as receptions of important characters. The masks can be masculine or feminine, the male ones are distinguished by a species of high crest and sharper angles while the female ones have a more rounded appearance and softer lines.