mentality of collectors, and we, as dealers need to do our
utmost to help those just starting out. The best way to
reassure young collectors is to ensure that the pieces they
are offered are beyond reproach, like they are at TEFAF, but
that is unfortunately not the case at all fairs. “The stories of Belinda Visser, Onno van Seggelen,
Benjamin Proust and Laurent Dodier illustrate both
commonalities and unique approaches that can offer
encouragement to budding collectors and dealers. A
passion for the mysterious and an innate curiosity are the
common link. So is a willingness to take risks. There are
many different roads that can be taken and each of their
stories demonstrates this too. There is no, one-way. If one
is curious and willing to invest time and energy, excellent
opportunities exist for careers as collectors and dealers.
Come and breathe this rarefied air!- Miguel Bermudez
KIFWEBE KIKASHI
Republic of Congo, Songye people
19th century
Wood with brown patina
H. : 40 cm
Mask covered with strongly incised
lines representing linear scarifications.
The almond-shaped eyes are carved on
both sides of the nose which becomes a
small crest over the rounded forehead.
The mouth is rectangular. The face ends
with a concave and flat chin.
Male Kifwebe masks are called kilume
and are carved with an important central
head crest whereas female Kifwebe
masks are called kikashi and have a
smaller crest. When the masks are used
in initiation, circumcision or funerary
rituals, the people wearing male masks
have an aggressive behavior while
the ones wearing female masks move
gently in order to favor fertility.
Provenance: formerly in the collection
of Lucien Lefebvre-Foinet (1889-1953),
Paris, France.
Old label reading “Ets Lucien Lefebvre-
Foinet 19 rue vavin”.
Contact Miguel Bermudez
MEB3 Absorbing Art
By Miguel Bermudez