Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A miniature carved wooden mask adorned with a raffia beard and painted with black and white kaolin clay. The mask features simple facial details, including incised scarification lines on the chin, pierced suspension holes along the edges, and the verso includes a vertical handle. Masks like this played a central role in the Bwami society, a semisecret religious and moral organization. These masks served as visual aids, helping members recall proverbs, stories, and ancestral teachings. Their significance was further expressed through songs, dances, and proverbs during initiation rites and ceremonial displays. The compact size of this mask reflects its portability, ensuring it could be easily moved and utilized in various rituals. Size w/ beard: 16" L x 3.5" W (40.6 cm x 8.9 cm); only wood mask: 7" L x 3.5" W (17.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

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

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#190293

    Condition:
  • Intact and great condition.

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January 23, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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