Mask - Pongdudu - Boa - DR Congo
08
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€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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A mid-20th-century Boa Pongdudu mask carved from wood, from the DR Congo, measuring 26 cm high and from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Boa Pongdudu Mask.
DR Congo.
"Little is known about the meaning and use of these masks. Only 20 examples are extant and even their common attribution to the little-known Bwa (or Boa) people remains uncertain. Named pongdudu in early 20th-century written sources, such face masks were described as promising to confer invulnerability during battle, and instilling fear in the enemy. However, recent research has indicated that the relationship between these masks and warfare is fictitious."
Reference note:
Art Institute Chicago, object 1961.915
Object type: Pongdudu Mask
Tribe: Boa
Material: wood
Height: 26 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Boa Pongdudu Mask.
DR Congo.
"Little is known about the meaning and use of these masks. Only 20 examples are extant and even their common attribution to the little-known Bwa (or Boa) people remains uncertain. Named pongdudu in early 20th-century written sources, such face masks were described as promising to confer invulnerability during battle, and instilling fear in the enemy. However, recent research has indicated that the relationship between these masks and warfare is fictitious."
Reference note:
Art Institute Chicago, object 1961.915
Object type: Pongdudu Mask
Tribe: Boa
Material: wood
Height: 26 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Details
Indigenous object name
Pongdudu
Ethnic group/ culture
Boa
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Mask
Height
26 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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