Kuba - DR Congo

04
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19
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Current bid
€ 5
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Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

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

Estimate  € 400 - € 450
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ESBidder 1368
€5

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Helmet mask from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, dating from the mid-20th century, made of wood with copper, brass and animal hair, 35 cm high, in good condition, with provenance from the Berthe Hartert collection and Argiles Collection, Barcelona.

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Description from the seller

It is a helmet mask with a broad, rounded forehead and slightly sunken cheeks. Some sources claim that it is
the head of a pygmy. In fact, it could be that the character corresponds to a specific member
of the Chwa pygmies—one of the numerous pygmy groups of hunter-gatherers
who inhabit territories close to the Kuba villages—and that it was made known by King Miko
Mimbul. According to other traditions, it is a representation of a prince with hydrocephalus. Some say
that the image is of a Ngesh who traditionally appeared among the initiates.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles Collection, Barcelona

It is a helmet mask with a broad, rounded forehead and slightly sunken cheeks. Some sources claim that it is
the head of a pygmy. In fact, it could be that the character corresponds to a specific member
of the Chwa pygmies—one of the numerous pygmy groups of hunter-gatherers
who inhabit territories close to the Kuba villages—and that it was made known by King Miko
Mimbul. According to other traditions, it is a representation of a prince with hydrocephalus. Some say
that the image is of a Ngesh who traditionally appeared among the initiates.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles Collection, Barcelona

Details

No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Animal hair, Brass, Copper, Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
35 cm
Provenance
Private collection
SpainVerified
Private

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