With certificate; Old African Mbunda mask - Angola. (No reserve price)

00
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07
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10
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Current bid
€ 50
No reserve price
Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 280 - € 330
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itBidder 1850 €50
nlBidder 6124 €45
itBidder 1850 €44

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Old African Mbunda mask from Angola, belonging to the Mbunda culture, provenance Privécollectie, height 21 cm, with certificate.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Old African Mbunda mask - Angola.
Hand carved from a single piece of wood.
Height: 21 cm.

This Mbunda mask was dated mid 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The Mbunda people speak the Mbunda language, which belongs to the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Their origins trace back to migrations from present-day Zambia into southeastern Angola several centuries ago. Over time, the Mbunda established their own political structures and cultural identity, and they became known as a distinct ethnic group within the region. During the colonial era and Angola's civil conflicts, many Mbunda were displaced, but they have continued to maintain their traditions, language, and sense of community.
What are their lives like?
The Mbunda primarily reside in rural villages, where agriculture forms the core of their economy and daily existence. Families grow cassava, maize, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts as their main crops. Besides farming, they enhance their diet through hunting, fishing, and small-scale animal husbandry. Villages are usually centered around extended families, with community bonds playing a vital role in work, celebrations, and social order. The Mbunda are celebrated for their vibrant cultural expressions in music, storytelling, and dance. Their craftsmanship, especially in woodcarving and making ceremonial masks, showcases a rich artistic heritage. Although modern influences are gradually reaching Mbunda communities, many still cling to traditional customs and lifestyles.

What Are Their Beliefs?
The Mbunda traditionally practice ancestor veneration, believing that the spirits of the dead continue to influence the living. Rituals, sacrifices, and offerings are made to ensure harmony and protection. Spirit mediums and diviners are often consulted to address illness, misfortune, or community decisions. Christianity has spread among the Mbunda, with both Catholic and Protestant churches present in the region. However, syncretism is common, and traditional beliefs are often blended with Christian practices. For many Mbunda, the gospel is still overshadowed by fear of spirits, reliance on rituals, and trust in traditional healers.

What Are Their Needs?
The Mbunda face significant physical and spiritual needs. Access to healthcare is limited, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable diseases and poor maternal health outcomes. Clean water and sanitation are often lacking, and educational opportunities are scarce, especially for children in remote villages. Spiritually, the Mbunda need access to clear and faithful teaching of the gospel in their own language. While some Bible translation work exists, there is still a need for accessible Scripture portions, discipleship materials, and trained local leaders who can communicate biblical truth in culturally meaningful ways. The Mbunda also need faithful Christian workers who are willing to live among them, build relationships, and patiently share the hope of Christ.

Seller's Story

A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA-GALLERY SELLING POLICIES. Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia. Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items. I hardly ever buy directly from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world. This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices We strive to provide deeper public appreciation for high quality African art and to make it accessible to all collectors. High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection. In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment. As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them. We guarantee the authenticity of every item and your complete satisfaction. We make every effort to research and document the history of each artifact. In our gallery you will find a nice selection of our stock. If you find something that is not on the site, let us know. We always have a large stock of items that are not on our site. Please let us know if you do not see items you want. We may be able to find them for you. Stand - The stand is not included in the price, Shipping - We ship worldwide. We try and get shipments out as quickly as possible after payment, usually shipping four times weekly. Combined shipping - For buyers of multiple items please email us when done shopping for your combined invoice with reduced shipping fees. For urgent deliveries we can arrange courier shipments via DHL (additional charges incurred to be covered by the buyer). Delivery – Delivery to most destinations is anywhere between 2 to 8 business days inside Europe and 16 to 21 business days to the rest of the world, after receiving our email confirmation that the item has been shipped. Parcels shipped from the Netherlands are sent using the Post NL and the parcel status is traceable online. Refunds & Returns – We are aiming for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase please return the item to us for a complete refund or exchange. No hassles, no questions asked. Refunds will be issued via PayPal or by Bank only. The shipping costs are not refundable. Please Contact Us – For any questions, concerns, or clarifications before bidding on or purchasing an item. We are usually able to respond within 24 hours. To avoid spam filters please establish initial contact through the Africa-gallery messaging system. Thank you for visiting our site! Kind regards, Gijs van Kuijk
Translated by Google Translate

Old African Mbunda mask - Angola.
Hand carved from a single piece of wood.
Height: 21 cm.

This Mbunda mask was dated mid 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The Mbunda people speak the Mbunda language, which belongs to the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Their origins trace back to migrations from present-day Zambia into southeastern Angola several centuries ago. Over time, the Mbunda established their own political structures and cultural identity, and they became known as a distinct ethnic group within the region. During the colonial era and Angola's civil conflicts, many Mbunda were displaced, but they have continued to maintain their traditions, language, and sense of community.
What are their lives like?
The Mbunda primarily reside in rural villages, where agriculture forms the core of their economy and daily existence. Families grow cassava, maize, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts as their main crops. Besides farming, they enhance their diet through hunting, fishing, and small-scale animal husbandry. Villages are usually centered around extended families, with community bonds playing a vital role in work, celebrations, and social order. The Mbunda are celebrated for their vibrant cultural expressions in music, storytelling, and dance. Their craftsmanship, especially in woodcarving and making ceremonial masks, showcases a rich artistic heritage. Although modern influences are gradually reaching Mbunda communities, many still cling to traditional customs and lifestyles.

What Are Their Beliefs?
The Mbunda traditionally practice ancestor veneration, believing that the spirits of the dead continue to influence the living. Rituals, sacrifices, and offerings are made to ensure harmony and protection. Spirit mediums and diviners are often consulted to address illness, misfortune, or community decisions. Christianity has spread among the Mbunda, with both Catholic and Protestant churches present in the region. However, syncretism is common, and traditional beliefs are often blended with Christian practices. For many Mbunda, the gospel is still overshadowed by fear of spirits, reliance on rituals, and trust in traditional healers.

What Are Their Needs?
The Mbunda face significant physical and spiritual needs. Access to healthcare is limited, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable diseases and poor maternal health outcomes. Clean water and sanitation are often lacking, and educational opportunities are scarce, especially for children in remote villages. Spiritually, the Mbunda need access to clear and faithful teaching of the gospel in their own language. While some Bible translation work exists, there is still a need for accessible Scripture portions, discipleship materials, and trained local leaders who can communicate biblical truth in culturally meaningful ways. The Mbunda also need faithful Christian workers who are willing to live among them, build relationships, and patiently share the hope of Christ.

Seller's Story

A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA-GALLERY SELLING POLICIES. Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia. Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items. I hardly ever buy directly from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world. This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices We strive to provide deeper public appreciation for high quality African art and to make it accessible to all collectors. High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection. In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment. As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them. We guarantee the authenticity of every item and your complete satisfaction. We make every effort to research and document the history of each artifact. In our gallery you will find a nice selection of our stock. If you find something that is not on the site, let us know. We always have a large stock of items that are not on our site. Please let us know if you do not see items you want. We may be able to find them for you. Stand - The stand is not included in the price, Shipping - We ship worldwide. We try and get shipments out as quickly as possible after payment, usually shipping four times weekly. Combined shipping - For buyers of multiple items please email us when done shopping for your combined invoice with reduced shipping fees. For urgent deliveries we can arrange courier shipments via DHL (additional charges incurred to be covered by the buyer). Delivery – Delivery to most destinations is anywhere between 2 to 8 business days inside Europe and 16 to 21 business days to the rest of the world, after receiving our email confirmation that the item has been shipped. Parcels shipped from the Netherlands are sent using the Post NL and the parcel status is traceable online. Refunds & Returns – We are aiming for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase please return the item to us for a complete refund or exchange. No hassles, no questions asked. Refunds will be issued via PayPal or by Bank only. The shipping costs are not refundable. Please Contact Us – For any questions, concerns, or clarifications before bidding on or purchasing an item. We are usually able to respond within 24 hours. To avoid spam filters please establish initial contact through the Africa-gallery messaging system. Thank you for visiting our site! Kind regards, Gijs van Kuijk
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
With certificate; Old African Mbunda mask - Angola.
Height
21 cm
Provenance
Private collection
The NetherlandsVerified
695
Objects sold
100%
protop

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