Holo - DR Congo
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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 € 450 - € 500
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Holo wooden mask from the Holo people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early 20th century, 60 cm high, in good condition, provenance: private collection, authentic/original.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This Holo mask is an extraordinary simplification of a buffalo’s head. Buffaloes are believed to possess supernatural powers due to their ability to vanish and reappear at will. In hunting tales, it is said that the animal returns to the spot where it was wounded, but takes a detour; it then hides and surprises the hunter from behind. In this respect, the buffalo resembles the sorcerer.
According to J. Cornet, ‘among the Holo masks are the most eminent masterpieces of the genre, particularly a type of mask also found among the Yaka: those depicting the heads of animals, particularly buffalo and antelope’. These masks are used, essentially, for the dances that follow circumcision, in the Kwango-Kwilu region. Holo art is little known, having been discovered relatively recently, yet it is of a high quality.
Provenance: Medicus Mundi missionaires
Argiles Collection, Barcelona
This Holo mask is an extraordinary simplification of a buffalo’s head. Buffaloes are believed to possess supernatural powers due to their ability to vanish and reappear at will. In hunting tales, it is said that the animal returns to the spot where it was wounded, but takes a detour; it then hides and surprises the hunter from behind. In this respect, the buffalo resembles the sorcerer.
According to J. Cornet, ‘among the Holo masks are the most eminent masterpieces of the genre, particularly a type of mask also found among the Yaka: those depicting the heads of animals, particularly buffalo and antelope’. These masks are used, essentially, for the dances that follow circumcision, in the Kwango-Kwilu region. Holo art is little known, having been discovered relatively recently, yet it is of a high quality.
Provenance: Medicus Mundi missionaires
Argiles Collection, Barcelona
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Holo
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
60 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
