Mask - Djonga / Jonga - DR Congo

The Jonga — sometimes spelled Djonga — are generally linked to the Bantu-speaking populations of Central Africa, probably located in the region between southern Gabon and northern the Republic of the Congo, a area characterized by a high density of small ethnic groups and by significant cultural exchanges. Their material and ritual culture shows stylistic affinities with neighboring groups, notably in the use of the mask as an instrument of mediation between the visible world and the invisible forces.

The masks attributed to the Jonga appear to have been used mainly in closed ritual contexts, linked to healing, divination, and male initiation rites. The Nkoumi society, reserved for initiated men, supervised these ceremonies and transmitted the ritual, medicinal, and symbolic knowledge. The mask was not conceived there as a mere aesthetic object, but as an active entity, capable of channeling spiritual forces and ensuring balance between the community, the ancestors, and the world of spirits.

The division of the face into diagonal chromatic surfaces — generally in black, white and red — evokes a symbolism widely shared in Central Africa, where these colors respectively refer to the invisible world, purity or transition, and vitality or power. The controlled abstraction of these forms, combined with an economy of means, gives Jonga masks a presence that is both sober and intensely expressive.

Possibility to obtain a premium base, please contact me.

Collected during a trip to Kinshasa.

Introduction to our expertise firm:

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency, and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among enthusiasts of tribal art and are among the reference sellers on Catawiki, where we rank among the oldest dealers (over 8 years).

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

Pieces that have passed through our hands are today featured in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a testament to 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.