Mask - Mbole Yela - DR Congo
05
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16
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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 € 350 - € 400
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Mbole Yela mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, carved wood with pigments and aged patina, oval elongate form with a central relief axis and incised geometric motifs, vertical striations on the sides and peripheral perforations, dating to the mid-20th century, height 35 cm, width 1 cm, depth 1 cm, in good condition with provenance from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Mbole Yela mask – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Carved wood, pigments, antique patina.
This Mbole Yela mask is characterized by an oval and elongated shape, with a deliberately sober and frontal design. The ornamentation is structured around a central relief axis, adorned with incised geometric motifs, while the lateral surfaces display vertical ridges that emphasize the verticality and formal rigor of the whole. The peripheral perforations bear witness to its method of fixation or ritual wear.
The surface retains traces of light pigments and a patina worn by use, revealing long-standing ritual use. The worn areas, chips, and visible tool marks reinforce the object's authenticity and its ethnographic interpretation.
Among the Mbole, the Yela masks were associated with rituals of social control and community justice, used within initiation societies charged with sanctioning deviant behaviors. Their deliberately austere and abstract appearance contributed to the mask’s symbolic impact, embodying moral authority and the fear of invisible forces. This type of mask was not meant to seduce but to command respect and order.
With its pared-down style, its aged patina, and its strong symbolic charge, this example constitutes a significant testimony to the mbole ritual tradition, sought for the power of its abstraction and its authenticity.
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 ensured the liquidation and dispersal of, dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, heirs, and collection liquidations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations with nearly 100% positive feedback.
Pieces that have come through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions. We regularly offer no-reserve auctions.
Express shipping within 24 hours, secure packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week; advice and documentation available on request.
Mbole Yela mask – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Carved wood, pigments, antique patina.
This Mbole Yela mask is characterized by an oval and elongated shape, with a deliberately sober and frontal design. The ornamentation is structured around a central relief axis, adorned with incised geometric motifs, while the lateral surfaces display vertical ridges that emphasize the verticality and formal rigor of the whole. The peripheral perforations bear witness to its method of fixation or ritual wear.
The surface retains traces of light pigments and a patina worn by use, revealing long-standing ritual use. The worn areas, chips, and visible tool marks reinforce the object's authenticity and its ethnographic interpretation.
Among the Mbole, the Yela masks were associated with rituals of social control and community justice, used within initiation societies charged with sanctioning deviant behaviors. Their deliberately austere and abstract appearance contributed to the mask’s symbolic impact, embodying moral authority and the fear of invisible forces. This type of mask was not meant to seduce but to command respect and order.
With its pared-down style, its aged patina, and its strong symbolic charge, this example constitutes a significant testimony to the mbole ritual tradition, sought for the power of its abstraction and its authenticity.
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 ensured the liquidation and dispersal of, dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, heirs, and collection liquidations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations with nearly 100% positive feedback.
Pieces that have come through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions. We regularly offer no-reserve auctions.
Express shipping within 24 hours, secure packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week; advice and documentation available on request.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Mbole Yela
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
35 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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