Southern Bayaka - DR Congo

06
days
15
hours
56
minutes
30
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 430 - € 480
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Wooden mask from the southern Bayaka of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the mid-20th century, 65 cm high, with provenance Colección privada.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

The mask belongs to the southern Bayaka and was made by a Tundansi (a young man undergoing initiation).
This mask has very attractive colours due to its white dotted stripes framing red lines on a black background. Each element of a mask is the translation of a cosmological concept: the colours are those used in rites of passage and the crown of raffia fibres that border the mask, the palm leaf fences that conceal the ritual enclosure and play a protective role with symbolism linked to the fertile palm tree.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert Collection
Argiles Collection, Barcelona

The mask belongs to the southern Bayaka and was made by a Tundansi (a young man undergoing initiation).
This mask has very attractive colours due to its white dotted stripes framing red lines on a black background. Each element of a mask is the translation of a cosmological concept: the colours are those used in rites of passage and the crown of raffia fibres that border the mask, the palm leaf fences that conceal the ritual enclosure and play a protective role with symbolism linked to the fertile palm tree.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert Collection
Argiles Collection, Barcelona

Details

No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Southern Bayaka
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
65 cm
Provenance
Private collection
SpainVerified
Private

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