Initiation mask - Ndaaka - DR Congo

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€ 4
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Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 700 - € 800
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Ndaaka initiation mask from the Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 23 cm high, 1 cm wide and 1 cm deep, dating to the mid-20th century, in excellent condition, from a private collection.

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Description from the seller

Ndaaka Mask – Ituri Forest, DRC – authenticity, rarity and a high level of stylistic quality

Here is an authentic Ndaaka mask, particularly seductive, from the Ituri forest. From the outset, the object imposes a strong presence: a readable composition, a face powerfully structured, and above all a dotted polychromy, typical and sought-after, still very “alive” despite its age. The contrasts between the dark areas, the light highlights, and the red/white punctuations create a remarkable visual vibration, exactly what collectors expect from a great Ndaaka.

In the comparative image, this is a selection drawn from a reference database, well known among enthusiasts for gathering some of the finest Ndaaka cataloged. The comparison clearly favors our piece: it possesses the essential formal and stylistic qualities — overall balance, the strength of the mask, coherent polychromy, and character — that allow it to rise to the top of the Ndaaka corpus.

A rare mask, 'collector', convincing for both a Central Africa enthusiast and for an eye sensitive to bold graphic compositions. A piece that sits perfectly in a high-end display case.

Overview of our expertise firm:

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).

We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.

Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.

Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.

Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.

Ndaaka Mask – Ituri Forest, DRC – authenticity, rarity and a high level of stylistic quality

Here is an authentic Ndaaka mask, particularly seductive, from the Ituri forest. From the outset, the object imposes a strong presence: a readable composition, a face powerfully structured, and above all a dotted polychromy, typical and sought-after, still very “alive” despite its age. The contrasts between the dark areas, the light highlights, and the red/white punctuations create a remarkable visual vibration, exactly what collectors expect from a great Ndaaka.

In the comparative image, this is a selection drawn from a reference database, well known among enthusiasts for gathering some of the finest Ndaaka cataloged. The comparison clearly favors our piece: it possesses the essential formal and stylistic qualities — overall balance, the strength of the mask, coherent polychromy, and character — that allow it to rise to the top of the Ndaaka corpus.

A rare mask, 'collector', convincing for both a Central Africa enthusiast and for an eye sensitive to bold graphic compositions. A piece that sits perfectly in a high-end display case.

Overview of our expertise firm:

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).

We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.

Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.

Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.

Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.

Details

Indigenous object name
Initiation mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Ndaaka
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
23 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
BelgiumVerified
843
Objects sold
97.78%
Private

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