Masque Kota - Bakota - Gabon
02
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Current bid
€ 65
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 240 - € 270
 | €65 |
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Kota mask from Gabon in Bakota tradition, carved in wood with copper inlays, late 20th century, good condition, provenance Galerie/Antiquaire, dimensions 25 × 18 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakota
Material. Wood, copper
Dimension. 25 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h. Open.
This decorative mask features several distinctive characteristics:
Material and appearance
Facial structure: The face is sculpted with expressive features. The eyes are represented by horizontal slits, while the nose is prominent and well defined. The mouth, slightly sketched, is placed beneath a prominent nose.
Ornaments and scarifications: Vertical metal bands are inlaid along the forehead and descend onto the nasal bridge, evoking ritual scarifications characteristic of Kota art or related groups.
Hairstyle and shape: The upper part of the mask ends in a rounded form, reminiscent of an elaborate coiffure, topped by a small central protruding element. The mask has an overall oval shape, almost heart- or pear-shaped, typical of certain stylistic traditions of Central Africa.
Although the term "Kota" is traditionally associated with the famous reliquary figures (mbulu ngulu) with a stylized and flat body, this mask illustrates the diversity of artistic forms from the cultures of the Ogooué basin (Gabon/Congo), where metal-on-wood work is a highly symbolic technique.
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakota
Material. Wood, copper
Dimension. 25 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h. Open.
This decorative mask features several distinctive characteristics:
Material and appearance
Facial structure: The face is sculpted with expressive features. The eyes are represented by horizontal slits, while the nose is prominent and well defined. The mouth, slightly sketched, is placed beneath a prominent nose.
Ornaments and scarifications: Vertical metal bands are inlaid along the forehead and descend onto the nasal bridge, evoking ritual scarifications characteristic of Kota art or related groups.
Hairstyle and shape: The upper part of the mask ends in a rounded form, reminiscent of an elaborate coiffure, topped by a small central protruding element. The mask has an overall oval shape, almost heart- or pear-shaped, typical of certain stylistic traditions of Central Africa.
Although the term "Kota" is traditionally associated with the famous reliquary figures (mbulu ngulu) with a stylized and flat body, this mask illustrates the diversity of artistic forms from the cultures of the Ogooué basin (Gabon/Congo), where metal-on-wood work is a highly symbolic technique.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Bakota
Country of Origin
Gabon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Copper, Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Masque Kota
Height
25 cm
Width
18 cm
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
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