Dance mask - Congo (No reserve price)

An African facial mask, rather pared-down, with an orange surface painted with a network of dark bands. Small flaws. Matte patina.
Scattered in the Kasai basin, the Tetela of Mongo origin were the source of incessant conflicts with their neighbors. They also abundantly participated in the slave trade. Their highly diverse sculpture bears the mark of the influences of the groups in contact with them: to the north, their art was influenced by 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 were also a source of inspiration, as were those of the Songye 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, also helped to publicize the skill of their smiths and those of the Nkutschu.