The term kifwebe, meaning mask, refers to the traditional masks worn by the Songye and Luba peoples of the Congo. They are most often worn in performances, the purposes of which vary greatly and can be for both sacred and secular purposes. [1]
These masks may vary widely in shape, color, and size to signify various aspects of the characters or figures they are meant to portray. The ceremonies and performances in which kifwebe have been worn historically include funerals, secret society initiations, plays, and a number of spiritual rituals, including those for healing, fertility, and warding off hidden threats or enemies. [2] [1] The masks were sometimes used in ceremonies of the Kifwebe secret societies where dances of the same name were performed, and the masks were then dressed with beards of long plant fibres attached to holes on the edges of the mask (Figure A). When these beards were absent (lack of fixing holes on the border of the mask) they were called Kabemba (that means "hawks"). [3]
Kifwebe Masquerades are traditionally performed by all-male dancers, the masks they wear symbolize their character's gender. Female masks are often represented by white coloring, presumably from their cultural connection to the moon. [1] Male masks are broadly represented through red, black, and white stripes. Crests on male masks are a symbol of age and wisdom.
