Mask - Ndaaka - DR Congo
05
days
21
hours
32
minutes
41
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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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 Ndaaka, a Ndaaka mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo dating to the mid‑20th century, provenance private collection, with dimensions 22 × 1 × 1 cm, weight 1 g, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Ndaaka Mask – Central Africa
Carved wood, polychrome pigments, antique patina.
This Ndaaka mask stands out for its highly structured frontal composition and a painted decoration with strong graphic impact. The face, rounded in shape, is marked by a prominent triangular nose, narrow eyes, and a mouth slightly open, giving the whole an expression that is both solemn and expressive. The peripheral holes testify to its fastening system during ritual use.
The surface is richly adorned with geometric and stellar motifs, alternating light and ochre pigments on a dark background. These painted signs, together with raised diagonal bands, contribute to a powerful symbolic reading, where the mask becomes a visual medium for codes and ritual messages. The ancient patina, marked by wear and partial pigment loss, attests to prolonged use.
The Ndaaka masks were tied to communal and initiation rites, playing a role in social cohesion, the transmission of knowledge, and the affirmation of the symbolic order. Their complex and codified decoration reinforced their visual and spiritual impact during ritual appearances.
Due to its outstanding polychromy, its authentic patina, and the quality of its formal vocabulary, this mask is a particularly sought-after exemplar, representative of the expressive richness of Central African sculptural traditions.
Introduction to 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 and managed the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates and inheritance matters during collection disposals. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations with nearly 100% positive feedback.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions. We regularly offer no-reserve auctions.
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 – Central Africa
Carved wood, polychrome pigments, antique patina.
This Ndaaka mask stands out for its highly structured frontal composition and a painted decoration with strong graphic impact. The face, rounded in shape, is marked by a prominent triangular nose, narrow eyes, and a mouth slightly open, giving the whole an expression that is both solemn and expressive. The peripheral holes testify to its fastening system during ritual use.
The surface is richly adorned with geometric and stellar motifs, alternating light and ochre pigments on a dark background. These painted signs, together with raised diagonal bands, contribute to a powerful symbolic reading, where the mask becomes a visual medium for codes and ritual messages. The ancient patina, marked by wear and partial pigment loss, attests to prolonged use.
The Ndaaka masks were tied to communal and initiation rites, playing a role in social cohesion, the transmission of knowledge, and the affirmation of the symbolic order. Their complex and codified decoration reinforced their visual and spiritual impact during ritual appearances.
Due to its outstanding polychromy, its authentic patina, and the quality of its formal vocabulary, this mask is a particularly sought-after exemplar, representative of the expressive richness of Central African sculptural traditions.
Introduction to 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 and managed the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates and inheritance matters during collection disposals. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations with nearly 100% positive feedback.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions. We regularly offer no-reserve auctions.
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
Ndaaka
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
22 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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