Ngbaka mask
Superb and old Ngbaka mask from the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The oblong face is simple but releases a powerful expression.
The curved face is overhung by a front discreetly decorated with small perforations. The bridge of the nose is covered with fine streaks characteristic of Ngbaka masks. It should be noted that it happens to find this characteristic also on masks attributed to other close ethnic groups such as the Zande and the Ngbandi.
The half-open mouth leaves a few stuck teeth at the tip, so a good part is missing.
Traditional masks such as this were used in relatively little-studied initiation rites. These inaccessible regions were explored relatively late by Westerners. From then on, masks from the Ubangi region only appeared in the 1970s. Thus, it is rare to find masks as well preserved and ancient as this one.
Its patina and its style bear witness to its great age and its ritual bearing.
Important private collection, Belgium
02046
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 29 cm (40 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Superb and old Ngbaka mask from the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The oblong face is simple but releases a powerful expression.
The curved face is overhung by a front discreetly decorated with small perforations. The bridge of the nose is covered with fine streaks characteristic of Ngbaka masks. It should be noted that it happens to find this characteristic also on masks attributed to other close ethnic groups such as the Zande and the Ngbandi.
The half-open mouth leaves a few stuck teeth at the tip, so a good part is missing.
Traditional masks such as this were used in relatively little-studied initiation rites. These inaccessible regions were explored relatively late by Westerners. From then on, masks from the Ubangi region only appeared in the 1970s. Thus, it is rare to find masks as well preserved and ancient as this one.
Its patina and its style bear witness to its great age and its ritual bearing.
Important private collection, Belgium