Bakongo mask - Bakongo - DR Congo (No reserve price)
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Bakongo masker, a wooden face with iron elements from the Bakongo culture of southwest DR Congo, dating to the mid-20th century, with dimensions 53 by 20 by 15 cm and provenance Galeriehouder / Antiekhandelaar, in good condition.
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Description from the seller
This authentic wooden face mask is an example of the ceremonial art of the Bakongo culture (from the southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo).
The mask features the iconic serene facial traits with almond-shaped, half-closed eyes, a slender nose, and an expressive mouth. The vertical grooves on the cheeks and forehead represent traditional scarification marks.
The subtle traces of white pigment (often kaolin clay) around the eyes symbolize in Bakongo culture the connection with the spiritual world and the ancestors.
Nails have been driven into the wood on top of the mask and at the chin, forging the link with the power figures of the Bakongo—the Nkisi. Hammering nails into the wood is meant to awaken and activate the protective spirits in the figure.
Carefully packaged and shipped with a track and trace code.
Seller's Story
Rootz Gallery has an extensive collection of remarkable art objects from the non-Western world and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The art collection originally started with the gathering of modern and contemporary art. Due to a long-standing fascination with other cultures, it was quickly expanded to include non-Western art objects. The gallery has primarily focused on non-Western art for a long time, but has recently also refocused on modern and contemporary art.
Many pieces originate from ritual contexts and have been carefully collected over a period of 40 years. The items, often acquired during travels and coming from old collections, offer a unique insight into authentic cultures and traditions.
Translated by Google TranslateThis authentic wooden face mask is an example of the ceremonial art of the Bakongo culture (from the southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo).
The mask features the iconic serene facial traits with almond-shaped, half-closed eyes, a slender nose, and an expressive mouth. The vertical grooves on the cheeks and forehead represent traditional scarification marks.
The subtle traces of white pigment (often kaolin clay) around the eyes symbolize in Bakongo culture the connection with the spiritual world and the ancestors.
Nails have been driven into the wood on top of the mask and at the chin, forging the link with the power figures of the Bakongo—the Nkisi. Hammering nails into the wood is meant to awaken and activate the protective spirits in the figure.
Carefully packaged and shipped with a track and trace code.
Seller's Story
Rootz Gallery has an extensive collection of remarkable art objects from the non-Western world and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The art collection originally started with the gathering of modern and contemporary art. Due to a long-standing fascination with other cultures, it was quickly expanded to include non-Western art objects. The gallery has primarily focused on non-Western art for a long time, but has recently also refocused on modern and contemporary art.
Many pieces originate from ritual contexts and have been carefully collected over a period of 40 years. The items, often acquired during travels and coming from old collections, offer a unique insight into authentic cultures and traditions.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Ethnic group/ culture
Bakongo
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Iron (cast/wrought), Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Bakongo mask
Height
53 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
15 cm
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Sold by
