Mask - Congo (No reserve price)

African tribal art proves to us once again that any everyday object can become an artistic support. The decorative aspect of an object is indeed never its intrinsic function. In African art, any object of daily use can be transformed into a masterpiece while keeping its usefulness. The major role played by women in the political life of the kingdom is illustrated by the recurrence of feminine motifs in Luba art. The latter, which stood out for its prestige and quality, thus greatly influenced neighboring groups. This comb is surmounted by a protective effigy embodying a political and spiritual intermediary, a role held by women in Luba royalty. Its headdress, behind a wide band revealing a shaved forehead, evokes one of those worn by Luba women at the beginning of the 20th century. The secrets of royalty (the bizila) were held by women thanks to their role as political and spiritual intermediaries.