Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pende people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask known as an "mbuya" in the form of an abstract anthropomorphic face. The expressive visage presents with openwork almond-shaped eyes, an upturned nose, a thin mouth, petite ears, and arching brows, all beneath a rounded forehead with a central vertical slit. Two trios of incised striations along the cheeks are perhaps indicative of ritual scarification. Dozens of petite perforations used for attaching a raffia wig line the periphery, and the obverse is painted with matte brown and orange-red pigment. Mbuya masks are used during dance festivals that celebrate the end of the "mukanda," the male circumcision rituals. A fine example from central Africa! Size: 6.4" W x 8.875" H (16.3 cm x 22.5 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

For a stylistically similar example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1979.206.273: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/312467

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#149209

  • Condition: Chips and abrasions to areas of nose, face, brow, and peripheries, with fading to original pigmentation, and minor softening to some incised details. Light earthen deposits, nice patina, and great traces of original pigment throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 27, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000