African Crafts Market

African Songye masks

Size: 30cm (H) - Mask above

African handcrafted Songye masks that originate from the North Western part of Zaire's Shaba region. The Songye tribal people handcraft these masks and the grooved lined pattern on the face of the mask is commonly associated with the Songye mask in particular the female Kifwebe or Tshifwebe mask. The mask itself is dominated by the large slanting eyes which are said to be inspired by the eyes of animals. The slanting large eyes are similar to that of the African crocodile. The nose is almost always triangular in shape extending from the forehead and eyebrows, while the mouth is always protruding outwards and in a geometrical shape such as square or rectangular.

These Songye masks are use in traditional ceremonies such as weddings and funeral, but not anyone is allowed to wear the mask. Certain individuals are given the authority to be the wearer of the mask and that tribal member will wear the mask along with the costume associated with the ritual or ceremony that is being held. The Kuba tribes of central Zaire create these masks to reenact their creation myth.

One of several legends asserts that the high forehead and the form of the mask imitate the heads of the pygmies, the original custodians of the land.

All sizes listed are approximate. The mask you purchase and receive may differ just slightly in size, look, and/or color from the mask shown in the picture because each mask is hand carved and hand painted by individual artists. No two masks are exactly the same.

Below we have a selection of other long Fang masks carved in the same style as above but with different colours, patterns and colours on the Fang mask. Click on the image for a larger view.