Mask - Songye - DR Congo
03
days
22
hours
11
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49
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,100
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Máscara ritual Kifwebe of the Songye people from the Lomami basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early 20th century, carved in wood with natural pigments and a dark patina, 49 cm high by 25 cm wide, original.
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Description from the seller
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Lomami River Basin)
Ethnic Group / Tribe: Songye (with Luba stylistic influences)
Material: Carved wood, natural pigments (kaolin/white and dark patina)
Ritual mask known as Kifwebe, originating from the Songye people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The piece stands out for its striking geometric design with deep striations carved along the entire surface, almond-shaped protruding eyes, and a sculpted mouth with pronounced three-dimensionality.
These masks evolved over the years, and so did their morphology, so depending on the period they vary from one to another. In this case, we are looking at a mask from the early 20th century, between 1900 and 1910.
Made of wood, it preserves tonal contrasts between the dark vegetal patina and the remnants of traditional light pigment (lime/kaolin).
It remains in good condition within its category, showing the patina of use and the natural wear typical of ceremonial pieces. As seen in the images."
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Lomami River Basin)
Ethnic Group / Tribe: Songye (with Luba stylistic influences)
Material: Carved wood, natural pigments (kaolin/white and dark patina)
Ritual mask known as Kifwebe, originating from the Songye people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The piece stands out for its striking geometric design with deep striations carved along the entire surface, almond-shaped protruding eyes, and a sculpted mouth with pronounced three-dimensionality.
These masks evolved over the years, and so did their morphology, so depending on the period they vary from one to another. In this case, we are looking at a mask from the early 20th century, between 1900 and 1910.
Made of wood, it preserves tonal contrasts between the dark vegetal patina and the remnants of traditional light pigment (lime/kaolin).
It remains in good condition within its category, showing the patina of use and the natural wear typical of ceremonial pieces. As seen in the images."
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mask
Height
49 cm
Width
25 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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