Songye Kwifibe African Protection Spirit Wall Mask Artisan Crafted Wood Art Wayan Sukerni Sterling silver and labradorite

Sterling silver and labradorite

Coconut shell button closure

The statuette is crafted from cow bone and placed on a triangular suar wood base for display on a shelf or table

two mystical spirals dangle below petite beads of amethyst

and spirit

Songye Kwifibe African Protection Spirit Wall Mask Artisan Crafted Wood Art Wayan Sukerni Sterling silver and labradoriteThis replica mask of powerful beauty is known as kwifibe by the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Distinguished by its black and white stripes, the mask is believed to embody supernatural forces that will ward off evil. To the Songye, the use of white on the mask symbolizes positive concepts such as purity and peace, the moon and light. Ghana's Christopher Nyasafo carves the wall mask by hand featuring a bird looking downward.