46x19cm/18x8in

Parade shield sculpture or a decorative wall plaque of African inspiration, more precisely from the crafts of the Songye (or sometimes Luba) people, living in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The style is characteristic of the Songye ethnic group. It can be recognized by several key elements:

* The central face: It takes on the features of the famous masks called Kifwebe. These masks are distinguished by their bulging eyes (often stretched), a straight nose and a forward-projecting mouth.

* Grooves (streaks): The surface is entirely engraved with parallel lines and geometric patterns. Traditionally, these grooves are filled with white pigments (kaolin), although here they appear to have retained the natural color of the wood or a dark patina.

* The shape: Although it resembles a shield, this flat and elongated format with a mask in relief is often a version intended for decoration or protective ritual functions within a home.

* Material: It is cut from a single block of wood. The reverse of the object (visible in your second photo) shows fairly crude manual work, with traces of tools (adze), which is typical of artisanal sculpture.

* Motifs: We observe a central sawtooth frieze (chevrons) which descends under the face, surrounded by registers of oblique and vertical lines.

* Usage: In Songye culture, Kifwebe masks have a powerful social and spiritual role (linked to occult policing and magic). Shields or plaques of this type are often used to symbolize the protection of the clan or home.