Helmet mask for initiation - Nyeeng - Kuba - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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Helmet mask da iniziazione, a Kuba wooden mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to circa the 1950s, carved in light wood and polychrome-painted, 35 cm high, 16 cm wide, 12 cm deep, weight 450 g, in good condition with historical patina, provenance private collection of De Vita M., European, acquired in the 1970s and now ceded by heirs.
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Description from the seller
Kuba mask with paint – DR Congo/Zaire – mid-20th century – Carved wood, polychrome
Traditional Kuba mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), made between 1950 and 1960, from the Kuba confederation or from a nearby sub-group (Kete, Lele, Shongo).
The mask is hand-carved in light wood, then painted with natural pigments in white, ochre/orange and black, following the Kuba visual tradition of covering the surface entirely with geometric patterns of triangles, bands and linear motifs.
Dimensions: Height: 35 cm. Width: 16 cm. Depth: 12 cm. Weight: 450 grams.
The half-helmet cylindrical form (helmet mask) and the side holes indicate original use in dance or ritual, with possible addition of plant fiber or fabric (absent today but compatible with the holes).
Bulbous eyes with slit, prominent nose, raised mouth: all elements that recall the classic Kuba aesthetic and distinctly separate them from other Central African populations.
The condition is good considering its age (about 70 years), with a pleasant patina of historical use and normal wear due to use in a ritual environment.
Light signs of time, small paint abrasions visible even in photos, no invasive restoration.
These masks were worn during initiation rites, funerary ceremonies, or events connected to the male secret society.
Each mask had identity and spiritual value, representing both ancestors and intermediary spirits (intermediaries between the Supreme Divinity Nyeem and the Kuba people).
Private provenance: De Vita M. from a European collection, acquired in the 1970s/early 1970s, now ceded by heirs.
Quickly shipped very well packed with polystyrene and pluriboll, and sent with tracking and insurance via top shipping agencies.
Shipping cost includes shipment tracking, packing materials, and insurance for the works.
WE DO NOT SHIP to the United States due to new tariff policies.
It is the customer’s responsibility to pay import taxes and any customs charges in the destination country.
Kuba mask with paint – DR Congo/Zaire – mid-20th century – Carved wood, polychrome
Traditional Kuba mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), made between 1950 and 1960, from the Kuba confederation or from a nearby sub-group (Kete, Lele, Shongo).
The mask is hand-carved in light wood, then painted with natural pigments in white, ochre/orange and black, following the Kuba visual tradition of covering the surface entirely with geometric patterns of triangles, bands and linear motifs.
Dimensions: Height: 35 cm. Width: 16 cm. Depth: 12 cm. Weight: 450 grams.
The half-helmet cylindrical form (helmet mask) and the side holes indicate original use in dance or ritual, with possible addition of plant fiber or fabric (absent today but compatible with the holes).
Bulbous eyes with slit, prominent nose, raised mouth: all elements that recall the classic Kuba aesthetic and distinctly separate them from other Central African populations.
The condition is good considering its age (about 70 years), with a pleasant patina of historical use and normal wear due to use in a ritual environment.
Light signs of time, small paint abrasions visible even in photos, no invasive restoration.
These masks were worn during initiation rites, funerary ceremonies, or events connected to the male secret society.
Each mask had identity and spiritual value, representing both ancestors and intermediary spirits (intermediaries between the Supreme Divinity Nyeem and the Kuba people).
Private provenance: De Vita M. from a European collection, acquired in the 1970s/early 1970s, now ceded by heirs.
Quickly shipped very well packed with polystyrene and pluriboll, and sent with tracking and insurance via top shipping agencies.
Shipping cost includes shipment tracking, packing materials, and insurance for the works.
WE DO NOT SHIP to the United States due to new tariff policies.
It is the customer’s responsibility to pay import taxes and any customs charges in the destination country.
Details
Indigenous object name
Nyeeng
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Helmet mask for initiation
Height
35 cm
Width
16 cm
Depth
12 cm
Weight
450 g
