Songye - DR Congo

05
days
21
hours
20
minutes
04
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
No bids placed

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This 48 cm wooden Songye mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo dates to the mid-20th century and comes from a private collection.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

On this mask, the nose extends to the end of the forehead, not so much as a crest but rather as a
low-relief moulding; it could be a male mask. The nose is schematic, rectangular
and rounded; the eye sockets, circular sectors, contain almond-shaped, open eyes; the mouth is
a slightly protruding rectangle containing two circular holes; the nose, frontal moulding, eye sockets
and mouth are painted black; the rest of the mask, with broad curved striations, alternates between
red and white. The mask must have been surrounded by a fabric neck cover, of which some remains are still visible.

Provenance: Padres Blancos missionaires
Argiles Collection, Barcelona

On this mask, the nose extends to the end of the forehead, not so much as a crest but rather as a
low-relief moulding; it could be a male mask. The nose is schematic, rectangular
and rounded; the eye sockets, circular sectors, contain almond-shaped, open eyes; the mouth is
a slightly protruding rectangle containing two circular holes; the nose, frontal moulding, eye sockets
and mouth are painted black; the rest of the mask, with broad curved striations, alternates between
red and white. The mask must have been surrounded by a fabric neck cover, of which some remains are still visible.

Provenance: Padres Blancos missionaires
Argiles Collection, Barcelona

Details

Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
48 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Spain (Mainland & Balearic Islands)Verified
25
Objects sold
100%
Private

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