Kongo Ngobudi mask
Portrait mask
This African wooden mask covered with a layer of white pigment called kaolin is similar to the rare examples produced by the "Master of Kasadi", two of which are visible at the Royal Museum for Central Africa. We can recognize it by its pushed naturalism, the face seems moreover here, animated with a certain surprise. The open mouth reveals teeth, the eyelids are hemmed and the pupils pierced. The forehead is flanked by a patterned headdress.
This kongo ngobudi mask would probably be the idealized portrait of a powerful leader, possibly even that of the mythical founder of the Kongo kingdom. This mask danced during festivities, which originally praised the character depicted.
02103
Data sheet
- Size
- 34 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Portrait mask
This African wooden mask covered with a layer of white pigment called kaolin is similar to the rare examples produced by the "Master of Kasadi", two of which are visible at the Royal Museum for Central Africa. We can recognize it by its pushed naturalism, the face seems moreover here, animated with a certain surprise. The open mouth reveals teeth, the eyelids are hemmed and the pupils pierced. The forehead is flanked by a patterned headdress.
This kongo ngobudi mask would probably be the idealized portrait of a powerful leader, possibly even that of the mythical founder of the Kongo kingdom. This mask danced during festivities, which originally praised the character depicted.