Songye mask - DR Congo
04
days
04
hours
36
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 135
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
 | €135 | |
|---|---|---|
| €125 | |
 | €120 | |
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The 35 cm wooden Songye mask, titled “Masque songye”, is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and features a carved, ridged surface, downcast eyes and red pigment on the mouth.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 35 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours
This Songye mask (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) is distinguished by the following remarkable artistic and morphological features:
Overall shape and structure: The mask has a pronounced ovoid shape, with a volume bulging upward and backward to create a powerful silhouette.
Texture and relief carving: The entire wooden surface is finely carved with radiant parallel grooves and striations that follow the contours of the face and skull. A central vertical ridge divides the forehead and nose into two symmetrical parts.
The eyes: The eyes are half-closed or lowered, almond-shaped, with heavy, prominent eyelids, enhanced with dark (black) pigments.
The nose and mouth: The nose is long, narrow, and straight, extending directly from the forehead. The slightly open, protruding mouth is oval-shaped, with thick lips colored with reddish pigments.
Patina and polychromy: The mask has a nuanced aged patina, combining natural brown wood tones, darkened/blackened areas around the eyes and on the sides, and touches of red on the mouth. Perforations are visible along the lower edge, traditionally used to attach costume or decorative elements (fibers, textiles, or a beard).
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 35 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours
This Songye mask (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) is distinguished by the following remarkable artistic and morphological features:
Overall shape and structure: The mask has a pronounced ovoid shape, with a volume bulging upward and backward to create a powerful silhouette.
Texture and relief carving: The entire wooden surface is finely carved with radiant parallel grooves and striations that follow the contours of the face and skull. A central vertical ridge divides the forehead and nose into two symmetrical parts.
The eyes: The eyes are half-closed or lowered, almond-shaped, with heavy, prominent eyelids, enhanced with dark (black) pigments.
The nose and mouth: The nose is long, narrow, and straight, extending directly from the forehead. The slightly open, protruding mouth is oval-shaped, with thick lips colored with reddish pigments.
Patina and polychromy: The mask has a nuanced aged patina, combining natural brown wood tones, darkened/blackened areas around the eyes and on the sides, and touches of red on the mouth. Perforations are visible along the lower edge, traditionally used to attach costume or decorative elements (fibers, textiles, or a beard).
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Songye mask
Height
35 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
