Mask - Ngombe - DR Congo
05
days
16
hours
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€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 300 - € 380
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Masque Ngombe, an anthropomorphic Ngombe mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the mid-20th century, from a private collection, measuring 30 cm high by 1 cm deep and 1 cm wide.
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Description from the seller
Anthropomorphic mask in Ngombe style – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A striking apparition in which formal audacity upends the usual canons of ngombe art.
Ngombe mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, notable for an extremely unusual form within this corpus, which is already rich. Ngombe masks are rarely so unconstrained in their design: this specimen is distinguished by a stretched facial architecture, almost cranial, giving the whole a presence that is both unsettling and magnetic.
The face is structured around a long, angular nose, a true axis of symmetry, framed by wide circular eye openings that emphasize the mask’s spectral aspect. The toothed mouth, rendered in a graphic and expressive way, reinforces the dramatic dimension of the piece, evoking figures of power, transformation, or a warning.
The surface is covered with an ancient polychromy, punctuated by circular motifs applied in a rhythmic fashion across the entire face. These marks, today patinated by time and use, fully contribute to the visual identity of the mask and attest to a real ritual use, probably linked to ceremonial or initiatory contexts.
In the ngombe corpus, masks of that form are rare and poorly documented, which gives this specimen particular appeal for discerning collectors. Its bold plastic language, almost avant-garde, makes it a remarkable and breathtaking work, at the boundary between abstraction and figuration, illustrating the ngombe sculptors' ability to push formal boundaries while preserving a strong symbolic charge.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of hundreds of sales with a satisfaction rate approaching 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Anthropomorphic mask in Ngombe style – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A striking apparition in which formal audacity upends the usual canons of ngombe art.
Ngombe mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, notable for an extremely unusual form within this corpus, which is already rich. Ngombe masks are rarely so unconstrained in their design: this specimen is distinguished by a stretched facial architecture, almost cranial, giving the whole a presence that is both unsettling and magnetic.
The face is structured around a long, angular nose, a true axis of symmetry, framed by wide circular eye openings that emphasize the mask’s spectral aspect. The toothed mouth, rendered in a graphic and expressive way, reinforces the dramatic dimension of the piece, evoking figures of power, transformation, or a warning.
The surface is covered with an ancient polychromy, punctuated by circular motifs applied in a rhythmic fashion across the entire face. These marks, today patinated by time and use, fully contribute to the visual identity of the mask and attest to a real ritual use, probably linked to ceremonial or initiatory contexts.
In the ngombe corpus, masks of that form are rare and poorly documented, which gives this specimen particular appeal for discerning collectors. Its bold plastic language, almost avant-garde, makes it a remarkable and breathtaking work, at the boundary between abstraction and figuration, illustrating the ngombe sculptors' ability to push formal boundaries while preserving a strong symbolic charge.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of hundreds of sales with a satisfaction rate approaching 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Ngombe
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
30 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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