Kabongo Mask - Kuba - DR Congo

Although this mask is Kuba in origin, it is heavily influenced by the Kete of the north, a group that is more or less subordinate to the Bushoong kingdom. The Kete call it Kabongo and use it in ceremonies that mark the end of initiation. The Kete influence is evident in the decoration of the forehead and chin with small white triangles; the chin is concave, accentuated, elongated, and pointed; the eyes are conical with white stripes from base to tip, surrounded by a circular line of holes that pierce the mask. The general shape of the mask and the forehead, which is regular and slightly rounded, the copper applications on the forehead and nose, and the patterned fabric neck cover are Kuba.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles collection, Barcelona