Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Mask (Kifwebe)
Not on view
Kifwebe masks played a central role in Songye society enacting control over the social order, and participating in crucial activities such as initiations. This face mask only formed part of a costume ensemble that also included a hood, shirt, and pants made of woven bark, completed by diverse implementsin animal skins, furs, and feathers. Like most masks in Western collections, this example was separated from the rest of the costume following its collection from Africa. Once removed from its original context, it no longer formed part of a kinetic and multisensory environment but was admired as a static object of strong graphic qualities, particularly its contrasting white and black striations, stylized features, and overall sense of balance.
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