Dance mask - Congo (No reserve price)

A relatively minimalist African facial mask whose orange surface is painted with a network of dark bands. Small blemishes. Matte patina.

Scattered in the Kasaï basin, the Tetela of Mongo origin were at the origin of incessant conflicts with their neighbors. They also heavily participated in the slave trade. Their highly varied sculpture is marked by the influence of the groups with whom they came into contact: to the north, their art was subjected to the influence of forest populations such as the Mongo; to the northwest that of the Nkutschu, and to the west that of the Binji and Mputu. Kuba traditions have also been a source of inspiration, as have the Songye traditions to the southwest. Their fetishes are kept out of sight. Animists, they seek to appease and direct the elements through the sorcerer Wichi and the priest Umpa. Their traditional exchange currency, "dikonga", in the form of spearheads, has moreover helped to make known the talent of their blacksmiths and those of the Nkutschu.