Anthropomorphic face mask ·  D. R. Congo, Zombo · ID: 3049478

Description

wood, pigments, raffia fibre, rattan, rest., base

For comparable masks, see AHDRC 0016300 and 0156257.

According to Felix, these masks were used in circumcision rites (Felix, 1987, p. 208).

The Zombo live on both sides of the Inkisi River in the border land between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. Their neighbours to the north are the Nkanu, and to the east their homeland reaches the territory of the Yaka. Both groups have stylistically influenced the Zombo in their sculptural art.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask with the object ID 3049478 was last part of the auction 99th Auction at November 12, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 61 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,100.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 208 f.

Publications

Expo cat.: "Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki", Bomann-Museum (Hg.), Celle 2012, p. 22

Exhibition

Celler Schloß, Gotische Halle: "Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki", 10. Juli - 31 August 2012