Ngbaka mask
This astonishing African Ngbaka mask comes from the same workshop as four examples known on the African art market for several decades. They are recognizable by their oversized orbits separated by a fine crenellated nose below which is a small toothed rectangular mouth. Some variations exist in this small corpus such as the absence of aliasing.
As with the Ngbandi, this traditional mask was taken out during secret initiation rites rather than during public festivities. Only initiates could understand the meaning of the mask and its actions during the performances performed.
This mask was collected in the Ubangi region in the 1960s, in the very northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
02386
Data sheet
- Size
- 33 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
This astonishing African Ngbaka mask comes from the same workshop as four examples known on the African art market for several decades. They are recognizable by their oversized orbits separated by a fine crenellated nose below which is a small toothed rectangular mouth. Some variations exist in this small corpus such as the absence of aliasing.
As with the Ngbandi, this traditional mask was taken out during secret initiation rites rather than during public festivities. Only initiates could understand the meaning of the mask and its actions during the performances performed.
This mask was collected in the Ubangi region in the 1960s, in the very northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.