Kifwebe society mask - Songye people, Zaire

sketchfab

This intricately crafted zoomorphic passport mask is diminutive in stature, carved from a single piece of wood into the likeness of an owl's weathered countenance. A delicate layer of white kaolin coats its surface, while large, rounded orbs painted with vibrant red ochre give the appearance of bulging eyes. Tiny black circles serve as pupils, with small, crimson seeds nestled at their centers. Two slender ears, straight and unadorned, complete this masterful representation. Hailing from the early 20th century, this mask was crafted by the skilled artisans of the Songye people, who called Zaire home. Its digital counterpart was meticulously reconstructed using RealityCapture's advanced technology, pieced together from a staggering 768 individual images captured in stunning detail.