Helmet mask for initiation - Nyeeng - Kuba - DR Congo
06
days
09
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03
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35
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Helmet mask da iniziazione, a Kuba wooden helmet mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo dating to the mid-20th century, privately collected, in good condition, with a height of 35 cm, width 16 cm, depth 12 cm, and weight 450 g.
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Description from the seller
Kuba Mask – painted – DR Congo/Zaire – mid-20th century – Carved wood, polychrome
Traditional Kuba mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), made between 1950 and 1960, originating from the Kuba confederation or from a nearby subgroup (Kete, Lele, Shongo).
The mask is hand-carved from light wood, then painted with natural pigments in white, ochre/orange and black tones, following the Kuba visual tradition of covering the entire surface with geometric patterns of triangles, bands, and linear motifs.
Dimensions: Height: 35 cm. Width: 16 cm. Depth: 12 cm. Weight: 450 grams.
The semi-casque cylindrical form (helmet mask) and the holes on the sides indicate its original use in dance or ritual, with possible addition of plant fiber or fabric (currently absent but compatible with the holes).
Bulbous eyes with a slit, prominent nose, raised mouth: all elements that recall the classic Kuba aesthetics and clearly distinguish themselves from other Central African populations.
The condition is good considering its age (about 70 years), with a pleasant patina of historical use and normal wear due to use in a ritual environment.
Light signs of time, small abrasions of the paint visible also in the photos, no invasive restoration.
These masks were worn during initiation rites, funeral ceremonies, or events connected to the male secret society.
Each mask had identity and spiritual value, representing both ancestors and intermediary spirits. (intermediaries between the Supreme Being Nyeem and the Kuba people)
Private provenance De Vita M. from a European collection, acquired in the 1970s/’75, now transferred from heirs.
Quickly well packed with polystyrene and bubble wrap, and shipped with tracking and insurance via the best shipping agencies.
The shipping cost includes shipment tracking, packaging material costs, and insurance of the works.
WE DO NOT SHIP to the United States due to new tariff policies.
It is the customer’s responsibility to pay import taxes and any customs fees in the destination country.
Kuba Mask – painted – DR Congo/Zaire – mid-20th century – Carved wood, polychrome
Traditional Kuba mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), made between 1950 and 1960, originating from the Kuba confederation or from a nearby subgroup (Kete, Lele, Shongo).
The mask is hand-carved from light wood, then painted with natural pigments in white, ochre/orange and black tones, following the Kuba visual tradition of covering the entire surface with geometric patterns of triangles, bands, and linear motifs.
Dimensions: Height: 35 cm. Width: 16 cm. Depth: 12 cm. Weight: 450 grams.
The semi-casque cylindrical form (helmet mask) and the holes on the sides indicate its original use in dance or ritual, with possible addition of plant fiber or fabric (currently absent but compatible with the holes).
Bulbous eyes with a slit, prominent nose, raised mouth: all elements that recall the classic Kuba aesthetics and clearly distinguish themselves from other Central African populations.
The condition is good considering its age (about 70 years), with a pleasant patina of historical use and normal wear due to use in a ritual environment.
Light signs of time, small abrasions of the paint visible also in the photos, no invasive restoration.
These masks were worn during initiation rites, funeral ceremonies, or events connected to the male secret society.
Each mask had identity and spiritual value, representing both ancestors and intermediary spirits. (intermediaries between the Supreme Being Nyeem and the Kuba people)
Private provenance De Vita M. from a European collection, acquired in the 1970s/’75, now transferred from heirs.
Quickly well packed with polystyrene and bubble wrap, and shipped with tracking and insurance via the best shipping agencies.
The shipping cost includes shipment tracking, packaging material costs, and insurance of the works.
WE DO NOT SHIP to the United States due to new tariff policies.
It is the customer’s responsibility to pay import taxes and any customs fees in the destination country.
Details
Indigenous object name
Nyeeng
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Helmet mask for initiation
Height
35 cm
Width
16 cm
Depth
12 cm
Weight
450 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
