African tribal art,Songye Kifwebe mask from kongolo region DRC

Description

Title
African tribal art, Songye mask  from Democratic Republic of Congo
Types of object
mask
County of origin
Democratic Republic of Congo
People
Songye
Materials
Wood
Approximate size
35 cm-13.8 inches high 18 cm.7 inches wide
Songye Mask
TYPES OF ART
There are numerous mask styles associated with the Songye. Power objects and objects associated with divination are also prevalent in Western collections. In the past many Songye objects have been misattributed to the Luba and vice versa.
HISTORY
Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the
Luba
homeland. The Lomani River divides Songye territory and marks the boundary of the areas invaded by the
Luba
. As a result of these geographic and political differences there emerged of two distinct social structures among the eastern and western Songye and two stylistic differences in art forms between the two areas.
ECONOMY
The Songye traditionally relied mostly on farming and hunting for subsistence. Because the rivers were associated with the spirits of deceased chiefs who were often buried in them, fishing was not practiced except in times of great need. The artistic wares of the Songye, including pottery made by women and weaving and metalworking done by men, were traded extensively with their neighbors. They were recognized as superior craftsmen, and their products were in great demand.
POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The Songye are divided into about thirty-five subgroups. The Yakitenge (paramount chief) and his advisers are the central power in Songye territory. Many of the subgroups were actually quite large, were often spread over many miles, and were densely populated. The markets in these areas attracted numerous artisans and traders from throughout the region. At one time, Bukishi was a dominant educational society which helped to maintain social control through the use of
kifibwe
masks, but it no longer functions to this degree except in the southeastern regions bordering on Luba territory.
RELIGION
The creator god of the Songye is Efile, although sacrifices are not made directly to him. Much attention is focused on familial ancestors, to whom sacrifices are made to encourage the well-being of the individual and the family.
FACTS ABOUT SONGYE
LOCATION
COUNTRIES
Democratic Republic of the Congo
LANGUAGES
KiSongye (Bantu)
POPULATION
150,000
NEIGHBORING PEOPLES
Luba , Kasai, Sungu, Tetela, Mputu, Luntu, Binji, Kaniok, Kusu
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Please note I do combined shipping as follows:
: I charge for each additional item where postage is:
15 USD I reduce to 10 USD
20 USD I  reduced to 14 USD
25 USD I reduce to 16 USD
30 USD   I reduce to 20 USD
35 USD I reduce to 25 USD
40 USD I reduce to 29 USD
45 USD I reduced to 30 USD
50 USD I reduce to 34 USD
55 USD I reduce to 37 USD
60 USD I  reduce to 41 USD
65 USD I reduce to 43 USD
70 USD I  reduce to 46 USD
75 USD I reduce to  49 USD
80  USD I reduce to 55 USD
I also look the combine weight and reduce further where possible
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In addition to offering combined shipping.  Please contact me if shipping to Europe as I can adjust the shipping to a lower cost