Lese mask
African art from Ituri
This rather flat wooden African mask is rare, it comes from the Lese ethnic group in Ituri (R. D. Congo). This almond eye mask has kaolin-bleached cheekbones and an aggressive square mouth adorned with teeth. Only a few examples are known.
The traditional mask proposed here took part in the rites of the nkumbi initiation society. A similar mask is presented in the book Congo Masks by M.-L. Felix, see attached photo.
This African art object comes from a fine collection of Congolese masks.
01762
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- 30 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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African art from Ituri
This rather flat wooden African mask is rare, it comes from the Lese ethnic group in Ituri (R. D. Congo). This almond eye mask has kaolin-bleached cheekbones and an aggressive square mouth adorned with teeth. Only a few examples are known.
The traditional mask proposed here took part in the rites of the nkumbi initiation society. A similar mask is presented in the book Congo Masks by M.-L. Felix, see attached photo.
This African art object comes from a fine collection of Congolese masks.