{"product_id":"aa03985","title":"Basonge\/Songye Tribe Beaded Mask ~17.3\" Tall (New 2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e H:17.3\" W:9.4\" L:7.1\" Weight: 4.9 lbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003eBasongye\/Songye Tribe Beaded Mask\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003e –Songye masks are known for their unique aesthetics and symbolic significance. They are typically carved from wood and feature a combination of painted and sculpted elements. These masks often have bold geometric patterns, intricate details, and distinctive facial features. The Songye\/Basongye people use masks for various purposes, including ceremonial, ritual, and entertainment. Masks play a significant role in traditional religious and social practices. They are worn during important events such as initiation ceremonies, funerals, and harvest celebrations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003eAbout the Tribe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003eSongye, are a Bantu ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's south-eastern region on the banks of the Lualaba River. The Songye are divided into numerous sub-groups and ruled by a central chief, the Yakitenge. They are well-known for their visual arts, particularly expressive masks for the kifwebe secret society.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"African Angel Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57358537851040,"sku":"AA03985","price":360.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0541\/0829\/1232\/files\/AA03985.jpg?v=1779863937","url":"https:\/\/www.africanangelart.com\/products\/aa03985","provider":"African Angel Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}