Mask - Tetela - DR Congo
01
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17
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52
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Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
14 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 1869 | €1 |
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Tetela mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the mid-20th century, with provenance from a private collection; height 48 cm, width 1 cm, depth 1 cm, weight 1 g, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Tetela mask – Sankuru / Maniema, DRC – rare style, original polychromy – ancient provenance
Dear collector, appreciate the rarity of this mask: exceptional as much for its style—uncommon and immediately identifiable— as for the preservation of its original polychromy. The bold volumes, the prominent eyes, and the defining central ridge compose a very graphic, almost “sculptural” face, where every relief catches the light. The painted geometric motifs, in tones still legible, amplify the visual impact and bear witness to a piece that has remained close to its original condition.
Attributed to the Tetela culture, Sankuru region and Maniema Province (DRC). The object is believed to have been repatriated from Congo around the late 19th to the mid-20th century, adding an interesting provenance marker for enthusiasts of old collections and preserved pieces.
A powerful, rare work, and especially appealing for a Central African showcase.
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.
Tetela mask – Sankuru / Maniema, DRC – rare style, original polychromy – ancient provenance
Dear collector, appreciate the rarity of this mask: exceptional as much for its style—uncommon and immediately identifiable— as for the preservation of its original polychromy. The bold volumes, the prominent eyes, and the defining central ridge compose a very graphic, almost “sculptural” face, where every relief catches the light. The painted geometric motifs, in tones still legible, amplify the visual impact and bear witness to a piece that has remained close to its original condition.
Attributed to the Tetela culture, Sankuru region and Maniema Province (DRC). The object is believed to have been repatriated from Congo around the late 19th to the mid-20th century, adding an interesting provenance marker for enthusiasts of old collections and preserved pieces.
A powerful, rare work, and especially appealing for a Central African showcase.
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
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Tetela
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
48 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
