Paolo Morigi, Magliaso
Private Collection, acquired from the above

Very good condition overall. Marks, nicks, scratches, minor age cracks, and small losses to pigment throughout, consistent with age and use. The projecting mouth possibly broken and glued with hairline crack visible. Wear and minor chipping to edge on reverse. Inside of mask worn from use. Some holes from previous mounting on reverse. Fine glossy aged surface on front, possibly with light varnish. Fine aged medium brown patina on reverse.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Dynamic and well-proportioned, stylized yet expressive, the formal boldness of kifwebe masks have made them icons of African art. The present lot is particularly audacious yet well-balanced. The top half of the narrow and elongated face is bisected by a sharp ridge that extends down into a short and sharply-defined nose. On either side of the ridge the large eyes are topped by bulging painted eyelids, and are hollowed out of a downward-facing plane almost perpendicular to the frontal surface of the face. The end of the protuding mouth is on the same plane as the end of the nose and the front edge of sagittal crest. The striations on the surface connect the angular facial features in a harmonious ensemble.

The iconography of kifwebe masks is highly symbolic and contains numerous references to Songye mythology and cosmology. The deep painted striations recall the metaphysical labyrinth that initiates travel through during their initiation, as well as the rainbow python which is at the center of the Songye creation story. While the masks are connected to manifestations of magical and religious power, they are also linked to earthly functions. As Neyt notes. 'The mask societies see themselves as organs of population control and even judiciary and coercive agencies which reinforce the power of the chief and the nobles.' (Neyt, Songye, 2004, p. 362)