Mask - Good - DR Congo (No reserve price)

00
days
08
hours
12
minutes
18
seconds
Current bid
€ 7
No reserve price
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
11 other people are watching this object
FR
€7
IT
€4
FR
€3

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Description from the seller

Boa masks (or kpongadomba) come from the Boa ethnic group of the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. Carved from wood and often enriched with red pigments or dark patinas, they are distinguished by their large pierced ears – once the “ears” of the Boa – and a mouth full of teeth or wooden fragments, creating an intimidating effect. These masks were ordered by chiefs (for example Chief Kumu) and offered to the bravest warriors; they were supposed to render the wearer invulnerable and frighten the enemy during war rites. In ceremonies, the dancer wears the mask to embody the Boa’s protective spirit, ensuring victory and the village’s protection. Because of their rarity, Boa masks are among the most sought-after objects on the African art market, symbolizing both martial power and the sculptural know-how of this people.

Presentation of our expertise house

Based in Belgium, our expert-house and sales platform specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we benefit from a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve prices.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information.

Boa masks (or kpongadomba) come from the Boa ethnic group of the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. Carved from wood and often enriched with red pigments or dark patinas, they are distinguished by their large pierced ears – once the “ears” of the Boa – and a mouth full of teeth or wooden fragments, creating an intimidating effect. These masks were ordered by chiefs (for example Chief Kumu) and offered to the bravest warriors; they were supposed to render the wearer invulnerable and frighten the enemy during war rites. In ceremonies, the dancer wears the mask to embody the Boa’s protective spirit, ensuring victory and the village’s protection. Because of their rarity, Boa masks are among the most sought-after objects on the African art market, symbolizing both martial power and the sculptural know-how of this people.

Presentation of our expertise house

Based in Belgium, our expert-house and sales platform specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we benefit from a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve prices.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information.

Details

Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Good
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
34 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
BelgiumVerified
1254
Objects sold
95.85%
Private

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