Ituri mask

African art in the Ituri region

Although the population is divided between Christians and Muslims, ancestral beliefs are still present through the worship of ancestors and spirits. They manifest themselves in natural elements and interfere in the lives of humans at all times, and humans must curry their favour by all traditional means, where these African masks are of great importance. While the mask tradition seems to have survived in some places in the Ituri region, other plastic manifestations such as carvings, drums, and ornate utensils seem to have disappeared. The cohabitation with pygmies seems to play an important role in the rituals of these populations.  

Sold out
01850

Data sheet

Presumed dating
Mid XXth century
Size
25 cm
Ethnic group
Ituri
Material(s)
Wood
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Origin
African art gallery
Condition
Excellent

You might also like