Dance mask - Congo (No reserve price)

An African facial mask, relatively pared-down, with an orange surface painted by a network of dark bands. Small blemishes. Matte patina.
Spread out in the Kasai basin, the Tetela of Mongo origin were the source of incessant conflicts with their neighbors. They also abundantly participated in the slave trade. Their highly diverse sculpture bears the marks of the influence of the groups in contact with them: to the north, their art was influenced by forest populations such as the Mongo; to the northwest that of the Nkutschu, and to the west that of the Binji and Mputu. Kuba traditions have also been a source of inspiration, as have those of the Songye in the southwest. Their fetishes are kept out of sight. Animists, they seek to appease and direct the elements through the sorcerer Wichi and the priest Umpa. Their traditional exchange currency, "dikonga"
', in the form of spearheads,
has moreover contributed to making known the talent of their smiths and those of the Nkutschu.