Exceptionally large face mask with braided border. - Lega - DR Congo
05
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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 € 150 - € 200
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The large wooden Lega face mask, titled “Aussergewöhnlich große Gesichtsmaske mit Flechtumrandung”, is attributed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and dates to the mid-20th century, with a woven plant-fibre border.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large, wood-carved face mask attributed to the Lega cultural area of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The elongated-oval face shows narrow, slit-like eyes, a long nose, and a light cream-colored pigmentation. Two cross-shaped incisions on the cheeks as well as the dark forehead define the restrained facial design.
Particularly characteristic is the surround, a rim made of plant basketry, attached by numerous drilled holes. The surface exhibits a differentiated patina with pigment wear and signs of work. The rear hollowing shows clear signs of use.
Masks of Lega tradition are culturally connected with the Bwami initiation society and the transmission of social and moral values.
Dimensions: 340 × 250 mm.
Seller's Story
Kojocollection – Authentic African Art & Analysis
Kojocollection is an Austrian gallery specializing in traditional African art, particularly masks, sculptures, and ritual objects from West and Central Africa.
Our work is based on more than 30 years of collecting experience, intensive engagement with African art traditions, and comparative art-ethnological research.
We place particular value on authentic craftsmanship, original surfaces, historical signs of use, and traceable provenances. Each object is considered individually, photographed carefully, and described to the best of our knowledge.
Our cultural attributions, age determinations, and assessments of ritual use are based on professional experience and available comparative references. They constitute well-founded art-ethnological assessments, but do not constitute independent authenticity certificates.
Provenance information is presented to the extent of the available information and documents. A continuous ownership history is only guaranteed when it is explicitly proven.
Our aim is transparent, responsible art dealing that respects the cultural significance and the individual history of each object.
Translated by Google TranslateLarge, wood-carved face mask attributed to the Lega cultural area of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The elongated-oval face shows narrow, slit-like eyes, a long nose, and a light cream-colored pigmentation. Two cross-shaped incisions on the cheeks as well as the dark forehead define the restrained facial design.
Particularly characteristic is the surround, a rim made of plant basketry, attached by numerous drilled holes. The surface exhibits a differentiated patina with pigment wear and signs of work. The rear hollowing shows clear signs of use.
Masks of Lega tradition are culturally connected with the Bwami initiation society and the transmission of social and moral values.
Dimensions: 340 × 250 mm.
Seller's Story
Kojocollection – Authentic African Art & Analysis
Kojocollection is an Austrian gallery specializing in traditional African art, particularly masks, sculptures, and ritual objects from West and Central Africa.
Our work is based on more than 30 years of collecting experience, intensive engagement with African art traditions, and comparative art-ethnological research.
We place particular value on authentic craftsmanship, original surfaces, historical signs of use, and traceable provenances. Each object is considered individually, photographed carefully, and described to the best of our knowledge.
Our cultural attributions, age determinations, and assessments of ritual use are based on professional experience and available comparative references. They constitute well-founded art-ethnological assessments, but do not constitute independent authenticity certificates.
Provenance information is presented to the extent of the available information and documents. A continuous ownership history is only guaranteed when it is explicitly proven.
Our aim is transparent, responsible art dealing that respects the cultural significance and the individual history of each object.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Lega
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Exceptionally large face mask with braided border.
Authenticity
Original/official
