Old Ngbaka / Bwaka Mask, Ubangi, R.D. Congo - masque - Bwaka - DR Congo

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Current bid
€ 222
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
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  € 900 - € 1,100
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Description from the seller

Very old and rare Ngbaka / Bwaka mask from the Ubangi region. R.D. Congo.

Wood, remains of white pigments covering what was once the area from the upper lip to the base of the nose.

Very beautiful antique patina with obvious signs of use visible on the worn interior part. Old wear and damages; cracks, notably on the left side, missing parts at the top and on certain sections of the outline. For a detailed condition report, please refer to the attached photos.

Height 25cm (excluding base), width 15.5cm.

Provenance

Zemanek Sale, 79th auction, March 2015, lot 392. Estimate: €3,500 – €7,000.

wood, brown patina, remains of pigments, heart-shaped deepened facial plane, the eyes accentuated by drilled holes, vertical scarification (forehead-nose-chin), damaged, missing part at the back, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base

Subsequently acquired from a reputable Belgian collector and dealer.

References:

Ngbaka classification in Ubangi, Fonds Mercator edition, p. 204.

Similar mask, Sotheby, Paris, May 13, 2011, lot 276.

See also photos for another mask from the same house.

Custom support made to measure included.

Antique mask, rare on the market.

€2,500 / €3,500.
Reserve price much lower

Very old and rare Ngbaka / Bwaka mask from the Ubangi region. R.D. Congo.

Wood, remains of white pigments covering what was once the area from the upper lip to the base of the nose.

Very beautiful antique patina with obvious signs of use visible on the worn interior part. Old wear and damages; cracks, notably on the left side, missing parts at the top and on certain sections of the outline. For a detailed condition report, please refer to the attached photos.

Height 25cm (excluding base), width 15.5cm.

Provenance

Zemanek Sale, 79th auction, March 2015, lot 392. Estimate: €3,500 – €7,000.

wood, brown patina, remains of pigments, heart-shaped deepened facial plane, the eyes accentuated by drilled holes, vertical scarification (forehead-nose-chin), damaged, missing part at the back, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base

Subsequently acquired from a reputable Belgian collector and dealer.

References:

Ngbaka classification in Ubangi, Fonds Mercator edition, p. 204.

Similar mask, Sotheby, Paris, May 13, 2011, lot 276.

See also photos for another mask from the same house.

Custom support made to measure included.

Antique mask, rare on the market.

€2,500 / €3,500.
Reserve price much lower

Details

Indigenous object name
masque
Ethnic group/ culture
Bwaka
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Old Ngbaka / Bwaka Mask, Ubangi, R.D. Congo
Height
25 cm
Width
14.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
SpainVerified
13
Objects sold
100%
Private

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